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SearchA sleep expert goes over changes we may experience with our sleep as we age and why paying attention to them is important.
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CLEVELAND - As we age, our sleep needs and habits change.
While we tend to sleep more in our younger years, this gradually decreases as we get older.
“Our sleep tends to get shorter and more interrupted in the middle of the night as we go from younger to older adulthood. We start experiencing less deep, restorative, quality sleep,” explained Alicia Roth, PhD, a sleep psychologist for Cleveland Clinic.
Although you can struggle with sleep issues at any age, older adults tend to experience them more.
In fact, more than half of adults over the age of 65 complain of at least one sleep problem.
These issues can stem from many factors, like taking certain medications or conditions like sleep apnea.
Dr. Roth stressed it’s important to pay attention and note any changes in your sleep.
She assured treatment is available even if it’s a problem you’ve had your entire life.
“If you notice your sleep is getting worse as you get older, it's not just inevitable you're going to sleep poorly for the rest of your life,” Dr. Roth said. “There are doctors who can help you with that problem.”
Dr. Roth said it’s time to seek help if a sleep issue starts affecting your daily life.
