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Sleep Disorders and Aging (cont.)

Sleep Disorders and Aging Causes

The sleep disorders that increase with age are sleep apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). Periodic limb movement disorder is also called nocturnal myoclonus.

Sleep apnea is the interruption of breathing during sleep. It is commonly caused by obstruction (blockage) of the airway. Rarely sleep apnea is caused by a problem in the nervous system, which controls breathing. Sleep apnea is very common among older overweight people.

People with sleep apnea often wake up gasping in the night. They may thrash around in bed or get up and wander around in a confused state.

Sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, cor pulmonale, and sudden death. Cor pulmonale refers to an abnormally enlarged heart caused by lung disease.

Sleeping medications can worsen sleep apnea by relaxing throat muscles too much.

Periodic limb movements in sleep refer to repetitive leg jerks during sleep. These jerks may awaken the person from sleep and usually disturb the bed partner. Many describe the movements as kicking movements. The movements may occur in only one leg or both legs.

Medical disorders may also disrupt sleep.

Pain is one of the most common reasons for poor sleep in older people.

Heart failure often causes breathing problems that can disturb sleep.

Rapid heartbeat and palpitations can interrupt sleep.

Other breathing problems that can disturb sleep include heart disease, certain neurological problems, and emphysema.

A frequent need to urinate and other urinary problems may cause frequent awakenings.

Persons with Parkinson disease may experience frequent urination, difficulty turning in bed, and difficulty getting out of bed. These problems may impair sleep.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes discomfort that can interfere with sleep.

Constipation can cause discomfort that can disturb sleep.

Allergies, sinus problems, nasal congestion, and similar problems can disrupt sleep.

Itchy skin conditions often cause sleep problems.

Mental disorders are another common reason for sleep problems in older people.

Depression disrupts sleep in all ages, and this condition is especially common in older people. Many people with depression have trouble falling asleep at night or wake in the night and are unable to go back to sleep.

Dementia, especially Alzheimer disease, increases the length of stage 1 sleep and decreases stage 3, stage 4, and REM sleep. Dementia is linked to more episodes of sleep disruption and awakening, nocturnal wandering, and daytime napping.

Bipolar disorders, psychosis, and anxiety can result in difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.

Medications are another cause of sleep disturbance. Older patients in the US consume an average of 5-9 daily medications, some of which can interfere with sleep and wakefulness.

Sedative antidepressants and sedative antipsychotics can cause daytime drowsiness. Sleeping during the day interferes with nighttime sleep.

Beta-blocker medications can cause difficulty falling asleep, an increased number of awakenings, and vivid dreams.

Prolonged sleeping medication use may cause daytime drug withdrawal effects or daytime drowsiness.

Theophylline and caffeine are stimulant drugs. These drugs increase wakefulness and decrease total sleep time. Caffeine's effect can last as long as 8-14 hours and may be more pronounced in older patients. Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold or allergy remedies, appetite suppressants, and tonics may contain caffeine.

The stimulant nicotine affects sleep like caffeine. Smokers have more sleep disturbances than nonsmokers. Smokers also have difficulty falling asleep and decreased sleep duration. Even a nicotine patch can disrupt sleep.

Lifestyle and social factors can contribute to sleep disorders.