{"id":17904,"date":"2025-08-23T11:00:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T15:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=17904"},"modified":"2025-08-23T11:04:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T15:04:39","slug":"the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/","title":{"rendered":"The reason why seniors over 65 experience sleep disorders, according to psychology"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For many <strong>adults<\/strong>, crossing the <a href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/sports\/training\/neither-squats-nor-jumps-the-best-water-exercise-for-seniors-over-65-to-boost-strength-and-stability-17229\/\"><strong>age of 65<\/strong><\/a> brings noticeable<strong> changes to how they sleep<\/strong>. Nights that once felt long and restorative can turn into restless hours, with multiple awakenings and early mornings. While the total time in bed may not change much, the quality of rest often declines.<\/p>\n<p>These shifts are <strong>not always a sign of illness<\/strong>, but when they interfere with daily life, they can point to sleep disorders that become more common with age. Psychology and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/004018.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sleep research<\/a><\/strong> offer clear explanations for why these patterns emerge\u2014and what can be done to improve them.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenido<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/#How_aging_affects_sleep\" >How aging affects sleep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/#Why_nights_feel_more_interrupted\" >Why nights feel more interrupted<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/#The_risks_of_poor_sleep_in_later_life\" >The risks of poor sleep in later life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/#The_most_common_sleep_disorders_in_seniors\" >The most common sleep disorders in seniors<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/#Safer_treatment_options\" >Safer treatment options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/#Everyday_habits_that_help_improve_sleep\" >Everyday habits that help improve sleep<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_aging_affects_sleep\"><\/span>How aging affects sleep<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Experts note that sleep cycles change naturally over time.<strong> After 65, it\u2019s typical to take longer to fall asleep<\/strong>, wake more often during the night, and rise earlier than before. Even when seniors still get 6.5 to 7 hours of rest, the amount of deep, restorative sleep decreases.<\/p>\n<p>This lighter sleep is partly <strong>due to changes in brain activity<\/strong> that make it easier to wake and harder to return to slumber. On average, older adults experience <strong>three to four awakenings per night<\/strong> and are more aware of them than younger people.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_nights_feel_more_interrupted\"><\/span>Why nights feel more interrupted<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A key reason for these disruptions is the reduced time spent in deep sleep. Other<strong> common triggers<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia)<\/li>\n<li>Ongoing stress or anxiety<\/li>\n<li>Chronic pain or physical discomfort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When rest is broken repeatedly, it can affect mood, memory, and alertness during the day, making it harder to stay active and focused.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_risks_of_poor_sleep_in_later_life\"><\/span>The risks of poor sleep in later life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Consistently <strong>poor sleep can have serious consequences<\/strong>. Chronic insomnia in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/carrying-a-bottle-helps-but-these-4-simple-tips-can-help-retirees-over-65-drink-more-water-daily-17139\/\">older adults<\/a><\/strong> has been linked to a higher risk of car accidents, cognitive decline, and depression.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the clock says they\u2019ve slept enough, many seniors still feel tired, confused, or irritable during the day. This mismatch between hours in bed and true rest is a common complaint after 65.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_most_common_sleep_disorders_in_seniors\"><\/span>The most common sleep disorders in seniors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some <strong>sleep issues<\/strong> become more frequent with age, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chronic insomnia.<\/li>\n<li>Restless legs syndrome.<\/li>\n<li>Narcolepsy or hypersomnia.<\/li>\n<li>Sleep apnea, which causes repeated pauses in breathing and can be dangerous if untreated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safer_treatment_options\"><\/span>Safer treatment options<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Treating sleep disorders<\/strong> in older adults requires caution. Experts recommend:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoiding long-term use of sleeping pills, which can cause dependence and side effects such as confusion or falls.<\/li>\n<li>Consulting a doctor before using any over-the-counter remedies, including melatonin.<\/li>\n<li>Considering cognitive behavioral therapy, which has proven effective without medication risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Everyday_habits_that_help_improve_sleep\"><\/span>Everyday habits that help improve sleep<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Small lifestyle adjustments<\/strong> can make a big difference in rest quality. Helpful strategies include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Having a light snack before bed, like warm milk.<\/li>\n<li>Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and long daytime naps.<\/li>\n<li>Exercising regularly, but not too close to bedtime.<\/li>\n<li>Keeping a consistent sleep schedule.<\/li>\n<li>Limiting screen time in bed.<\/li>\n<li>Using the bed only for sleep or intimacy.<\/li>\n<li>Practicing relaxation techniques before sleeping.<\/li>\n<li>Reading or listening to calming music if unable to fall asleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By understanding<strong> how aging changes sleep<\/strong> and adopting healthier habits, seniors can address many of the challenges that come with nighttime rest\u2014turning fragmented nights into more peaceful ones.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many adults, crossing the age of 65 brings noticeable changes to how they sleep. Nights that once felt long and restorative can turn into restless hours, with multiple awakenings and early mornings. While the total time in bed may not change much, the quality of rest often declines. These shifts are not always a &#8230; <a title=\"The reason why seniors over 65 experience sleep disorders, according to psychology\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/theories-and-psychological-currents\/the-reason-why-seniors-over-65-experience-sleep-disorders-according-to-psychology-17904\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The reason why seniors over 65 experience sleep disorders, according to psychology\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":17907,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-theories-and-psychological-currents"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17904"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17913,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17904\/revisions\/17913"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}