Many older adults frequently feel sleepy and sleep excessively during the day. According to neurologists, this may simply be a change due to age, but it can also sometimes be a warning sign of brain disease.
For older adults, napping or dozing off during the day is quite common. However, when drowsiness becomes frequent, prolonged, or progressively worsens over time, many families begin to worry whether it could be a sign of a brain disorder.
Neurologists say that excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults isn't always a disease, but in some cases, it can be an early warning sign of neurological disorders such as cognitive decline or dementia.
Why do older people tend to sleep more?
The aging process causes changes in many of the body's physiological functions, including sleep.
In older adults, circadian rhythms tend to change, causing them to go to bed earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning. At the same time, nighttime sleep is often shallower and more easily disrupted by factors such as nighttime urination, aches and pains, or chronic illnesses.
Due to insufficient and shallow nighttime sleep, many older adults feel tired and sleepy during the day. Therefore, short naps of 20–30 minutes are often considered normal and may even help improve their health.
However, when daytime naps last for many hours or occur continuously, it could be a sign that needs attention.
Elderly people sleeping a lot during the day may be due to physiological changes associated with aging, but one should also be wary of neurological disorders - Illustration.
Sleeping too much during the day may be linked to dementia
Some studies suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline or dementia.
In a study tracking older adults, those who regularly took long naps had about a 40% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those who took regular naps.
Additionally, people who suddenly experience an increased need for sleep or sleep more than 9 hours a day are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to the average person.
Scientists believe that changes in sleep patterns may reflect early transformations in the brain, particularly in areas associated with memory and cognition.
Another study also showed that older adults who frequently experience daytime sleepiness are at a higher risk of developing early-onset dementia.
However, experts emphasize that daytime sleepiness does not always indicate a brain disorder, and many other factors need to be considered.
Other reasons why older adults sleep a lot
Besides the risk of neurological disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness in the elderly can also stem from many other causes.
Poor quality nighttime sleep
Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or chronic pain can cause older adults to not sleep soundly at night. This leads to daytime sleepiness.
Side effects of the medication
Many medications commonly used in older adults, such as tranquilizers, antidepressants, or allergy medications, can cause drowsiness.
Lack of physical activity
When older adults are less active or participate less in social activities, they are more likely to feel bored and sleep more.
Depression in the elderly
Depression is a fairly common condition in older adults and can cause sleep disturbances, including excessive daytime sleepiness.
When should I see a doctor?
Neurologists advise families to pay attention if elderly people exhibit the following signs:
- Daytime sleepiness lasted for months.
- I'm sleeping much more than before.
- Reduced interest in everyday activities.
- Memory loss or forgetfulness.
- Changes in personality or behavior
Dementia is a syndrome that causes a decline in memory and thinking ability, affecting a person's daily activities.
If these symptoms occur along with excessive daytime sleepiness, the patient should seek medical attention promptly to assess brain function.
The family plays a crucial role in early detection
Many experts believe that early signs of cognitive decline are often overlooked because families assume they are simply a sign of aging.
In fact, dementia often has a silent onset and progresses slowly over many years. If detected early, treatment and care can help slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Therefore, families should observe subtle changes in the daily routines, sleep patterns, and memory of their elderly relatives.
If excessive daytime sleep is accompanied by memory loss or behavioral changes, older adults should see a doctor for a brain health check-up - Illustration.
What can be done to improve sleep in older adults?
To help older adults sleep better and reduce daytime sleepiness, experts recommend the following measures:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Older adults should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Increase physical activity.
Walking, gentle exercises like Tai Chi or yoga can help improve sleep quality.
Avoid napping for too long.
A midday nap should last about 20–30 minutes.
Exposure to natural light
Daylight helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm.
Controlling chronic diseases
Treating conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep disorders effectively can improve drowsiness.
Don't underestimate changes in sleep patterns.
Excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults may simply be a normal part of aging. However, when this occurs suddenly or is accompanied by memory loss, behavioral changes, or a loss of interest in life, it could be an early warning sign of a neurological disorder.
Experts recommend that timely monitoring and examinations will help detect brain-related disorders early, thereby allowing for appropriate treatment and care for the elderly.