Normal Aging

Normal aging is associated with changes to sleep architecture that tend to promote awakenings from sleep and decreased total sleep time, as well as changes in circadian rhythmicity that affect circadian phase, amplitude, and ability to phase-shift. There is not, however, a decreased need for sleep, and sleep complaints should not be attributed to normal aging. Similarly, napping, while common in older adults, may signal an underlying disorder, particularly if overall sleep duration is long. The etiology of sleep disturbance in older adults is likely to be multifactorial with consequent risks for important aging-related outcomes, including cognitive function, independence, health, and quality of life.