Sleep Deficiency in the Elderly

Abstract

With aging, there are normative changes to sleep physiology and circadian rhythmicity that may predispose older adults to sleep deficiency, whereas many health-related and psychosocial/behavioral factors may precipitate sleep deficiency. In this article, we describe age-related changes to sleep and describe how the health-related and psychosocial/behavioral factors typical of aging may converge in older adults to increase the risk for sleep deficiency. Next, we review the consequences of sleep deficiency in older adults, focusing specifically on important age-related outcomes, including mortality, cognition, depression, and physical function. Finally, we review treatments for sleep deficiency, highlighting safe and effective nonpharmacologic interventions.

Keywords: Aging; Circadian rhythm; Cognition; Physical function; Sleep; Sleep deficiency; Sleep duration; Sleep quality.