During the consultation, I typically ask about the patient s diet, activities, social calendar, what medications they re taking, etc. Consuming alcohol, soda and other beverages that contain caffeine may be the culprit that prevents him or her from sleeping well. Likewise, an over the counter allergy medicine may affect sleep. Sometimes older patients question their changing sleep schedule, wondering if something is wrong with them because they re going to bed earlier and rising earlier, as well. Chances are nothing is abnormal, as sleep needs change substantially as we age.
Most people tend to slow down as they get older and participate in fewer activities.
Although senior citizens may not realize that their activity level has declined, they may not require as much sleep time as when they mowed the lawn each week, hiked on weekends, played tennis regularly, etc. This doesn t mean anything s wrong. It just means their sleep pattern is changing along with their activity level. Those who are more physically active tend to sleep better. Eat a balanced diet.