Not only is insomnia more common among older adults, but other sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movements, and sleep apnea are also more prevalent among the elderly. Most healthy older people don't usually have difficulties related to these changes, but people with medical and psychological disorders are more likely to develop sleep problems. Chronic illness or pain can cause insomnia. Urinary incontinence or frequency, caused by drugs, prostate enlargement, or loss of bladder control, can interrupt sleep. Chronic lung diseases can cause frequent arousal due to decreased oxygen and the feeling of air hunger.
Arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness, making it hard to sleep.
Alzheimer's patients have decreased total sleep time and more frequent awakenings. Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing stops periodically throughout the night. Most cases are due to partial airway blockage, and obesity is a contributing factor. Loud snoring and a characteristic arousal snort are signs of sleep apnea. Periodic movements in sleep is a condition where there is powerful flexing of the lower leg muscles many times throughout the night.