Sleep and Aging Well

32 Pages·2008·0.48 MB·English

by  The Spot

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The information in this publication was independently developed by the National Sleep Foundation. © 2003 National Sleep Foundation
Sleep and Aging
(cid:132) How does sleep change as we age?
(cid:132) Do we need less sleepp as we gget older?
(cid:132) Can a person expect to experience more sleep problems or have
a sleep disorder as they advance in age?
(cid:132) As we age, how does sleep affect our overall health, medical
conditions and general well being?
(cid:132)(cid:132) WWhhatt can we ddo tto gett goodd slleep??
Sleep is Essential to Our Overall Health
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(cid:132)(cid:132) KKeeyy ttoo oouurr hheeaalltthh, ppeerrffoorrmmaannccee, ssaaffeettyy
and quality of life
(cid:132) As essential a compponent as ggood
nutrition and exercise to
optimal health
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cognitive and physical tasks, engage
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safe and productive way
Normal Sleep and Normal Aging:
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(cid:132) TThhee bbiioollooggiiccaall cclloocckk rreessiiddeess iinn tthhee bbrraaiinn
(cid:132) It helps regulate when we feel sleepy and when we are alert
(cid:132) It works in tandem with ligght and dark,, and our bodyy tempperature
and hormones
The Sleep Cycle in Adults
Awake
1
2 M M M M M
s E E E E E
e RR RR RR RR RR
g 3
a
t
S
4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Hours in Sleep
Normal Sleep and Normal Aging:
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Health and Environment Affect Our Sleep
With age, we become more sensitive to:
(cid:132) Hormonal Changges
(cid:132) Physiological Conditions
(cid:132) Environmental Conditions
(cid:132) Light
(cid:132) Noise
(cid:132) TTemperatture
Normal Sleep and Normal Aging:
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Changes with age
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%
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Men
Women Age
The ability to get
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consolidated sleep may
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difficult as we age
Sleep Problems/Disorders
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SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP PROBLEMS BY AGE
Symptoms: a few nights
a week or more 55-64 65-74 75-84
Insomnia 49% 46% 50%
Snoring 41% 28% 22%
Sleep Apnea 9% 6% 7%
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) 15% 17% 21%