As people age, changes in sleep patterns are common. One notable change is the tendency for older adults to sleep more and experience alterations in sleep quality. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, including physiological changes, medical conditions, lifestyle adjustments, and sleep disorders such as catathrenia.
As individuals age, their bodies undergo physiological changes that can affect their sleep-wake cycles. One key change is a decrease in the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This decline can lead to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep, contributing to increased sleep duration among older adults. Additionally, changes in circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, can result in earlier bedtimes and wake times, leading to longer periods of sleep.
Moreover, older adults are more likely to experience medical conditions that impact their sleep. Chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position and may disrupt sleep throughout the night. Respiratory conditions, such as sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can cause interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to frequent awakenings and fragmented sleep. These factors can contribute to older adults spending more time in bed in an attempt to compensate for poor sleep quality.
Furthermore, lifestyle changes that often accompany aging can influence sleep patterns. Retirement, for example, may eliminate the need to adhere to a strict schedule, allowing older adults to sleep in and take naps during the day. Reduced physical activity levels and increased sedentary behavior can also affect sleep, as regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality. Additionally, changes in diet, medication use, and alcohol consumption can impact sleep patterns and contribute to increased sleep duration among older adults.
In addition to these factors, sleep disorders such as catathrenia can contribute to excessive sleepiness and groaning during sleep in older adults. Catathrenia, also known as nocturnal groaning, is a parasomnia characterized by loud, moaning sounds emitted during exhalation while asleep. Although the exact cause of catathrenia is not fully understood, it is believed to involve dysfunction of the respiratory system during sleep. Unlike snoring, which occurs during inhalation, catathrenia occurs during exhalation and is often accompanied by brief periods of breath holding.
The prevalence of catathrenia increases with age, with research suggesting that it primarily affects older adults. It is more common in males than females and often coexists with other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. The groaning sounds associated with catathrenia can be disruptive to both the individual experiencing them and their sleep partner, leading to sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue.
Diagnosing catathrenia typically involves a thorough evaluation of the individual’s medical history, sleep habits, and symptoms. Polysomnography, a sleep study that monitors various physiological parameters during sleep, may be conducted to assess respiratory function and identify any underlying sleep disorders. Treatment options for catathrenia may include lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol and sleep-inducing medications, as well as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or other interventions to improve respiratory function during sleep.
In addition to addressing catathrenia, it is important for older adults to adopt healthy sleep habits to optimize their sleep quality and duration. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment. Avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime can also promote better sleep. Engaging in regular physical activity and managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can further support healthy sleep patterns.
The older adults may sleep more and experience groaning during sleep due to a combination of physiological changes, medical conditions, lifestyle adjustments, and sleep disorders such as catathrenia. Understanding the factors that contribute to changes in sleep patterns with age can help individuals and healthcare providers address sleep disturbances and improve overall sleep quality and daytime functioning. By implementing strategies to promote healthy sleep habits and seeking appropriate medical treatment when necessary, older adults can enhance their quality of life and maintain optimal health as they age.