Sleep plays a very important role in the health and well-being of older adults. As we age, we feel as if we just can't get enough sleep. In fact, according to the National Council on Aging, 20 to 60% of older adults state that they take naps during the day to make up for a lack of good sleep the previous night. While it is normal for sleep patterns to change as we age, there are some situations where excessive sleep in the elderly can be a warning sign.
Sudden excessive sleepiness in the elderly or constant fatigue may be a sign of underlying issues that require medical attention. Families and primary caregivers may notice a loved one who is elderly falling asleep all the time, even during the day, and wonder whether this is simply a part of aging or if it is a sign of something more serious.
At Senior Home Care by Angels, we are trained to recognize changes in sleeping patterns in a parent, spouse, or grandparent. Our mission through providing home care to seniors throughout Canada is to support families by providing compassionate care and supervision. By monitoring for changes as part of our home care services, seniors are safe, comfortable, and cared for when excessive sleepiness becomes part of their daily lives or starts to affect their health.
Causes of Excessive Sleepiness in the Elderly
Excessive sleeping in the elderly can have a range of causes, and some of them may be concerning. Some causes of excessive sleepiness in the elderly are relatively minor, while others may point to more serious health concerns. Understanding these causes is the first step in finding appropriate care and solutions.
Natural Changes in Sleep Patterns
As people age, their circadian rhythms often change. Seniors may find themselves going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. While this alone is not usually a concerning occurrence, it can contribute to daytime drowsiness if nighttime sleep is not restful.
Medical Conditions
Chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid problems can all impact energy levels. Other conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, or depression have symptoms that include excessive sleepiness in elderly patients.
Medication Side Effects
Many seniors take multiple medications, and many of them may have side effects. A common side effect of medications that elderly individuals take is drowsiness or sedation. Pain relievers, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications can play a part in an elderly person sleeping all day or feeling unusually tired.
Sleep Disorders
Obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia are also very common in older adults, especially if they have other health conditions too. These disorders disrupt their natural sleep cycles, which can lead to extreme daytime fatigue and the tendency to fall asleep when sitting down.
Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can cause fragmented sleep patterns, such as waking up frequently throughout the night. Caregivers from our team may notice a loved one falling asleep in a chair or drifting off during meals, which will be reported to the family. This is not just a sign of aging, but rather an effect of changes in overall brain function, and should at least be documented.
Common Reasons Why Seniors Are Falling Asleep While Sitting Down
Many family members, such as adult children, specifically notice that their loved one seems to have trouble staying awake when they are sitting. Many seniors fall asleep when sitting down, and this can sometimes occur during conversations or meals. There are several explanations for the elderly falling asleep while sitting, including:
- Low Stimulation Environments - Seniors who are less active or those who don't participate in stimulating activities throughout the day may find it difficult to stay awake when sitting in quiet settings.
- Medication Effects - Certain prescriptions can increase drowsiness when sitting still.
- Neurological Concerns - Repeatedly falling asleep in a chair may be a sign of neurological decline or sleep disorders that should be addressed promptly through a doctor's visit.
- Cardiac Or Respiratory Issues - Limited oxygen intake and circulation throughout the body can cause fatigue, leading to sudden sleep episodes.
Many of our clients often ask, "why does my husband fall asleep every time he sits down?" It may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider to determine whether the cause of this fatigue is lifestyle-related or linked to a medical condition.
Risks Associated With Excessive Sleepiness in Seniors
While it may seem harmless when the elderly fall asleep all the time, or when they are frequently falling asleep while sitting, it can present significant risks to certain seniors:
- Reduced Quality of Life - Constant drowsiness can interfere with daily activities, hobbies, and their ability to engage in social activities or conversations.
- Increased Fall Risk - Seniors who are overly tired all the time may lose balance when they are standing up, which can increase the likelihood of injury.
- Missed Meals or Hydration - Excessive sleeping throughout the day can cause seniors to skip meals and forget to drink fluids.
- Delayed Medical Care - Sleepiness may mask serious underlying health conditions, which is important to note and address with your primary care physician.
Recognizing these risks associated with excessive sleeping can be easier with our home care services. Our caregivers don't just provide care, but also monitor for changes in behaviour and sleep patterns so that issues can be addressed promptly.
Treatment for Excessive Sleepiness in the Elderly
Treating sudden excessive sleepiness in the elderly begins with identifying the source. Your primary physician can evaluate your overall health and look into whether medications, medical conditions, or sleep disorders are contributing factors to excessive sleepiness. Common treatment approaches for elderly falling asleep all the time include:
- Medication Adjustments - Switching medications or changing the dosage can help reduce drowsiness.
- Lifestyle Changes - Encouraging seniors to engage in light exercise, mentally stimulating activities, and a structured sleep routine can help improve nighttime sleeping, so daytime sleepiness is not as frequent.
- Treatment of Underlying Conditions - Managing illnesses such as sleep apnea, depression, or heart disease can help increase energy levels during the day.
- Cognitive Support - In cases of dementia-related sleepiness, there are several strategies our caregivers use to keep seniors engaged and oriented throughout the day.
These treatments for excessive sleepiness in seniors are most effective when paired with consistent, compassionate care at home through Senior Home Care by Angels.
How Senior Home Care by Angels Can Help
When you notice sudden excessive sleepiness in elderly loved ones, or a loved one falling asleep in a chair throughout the day, it could be a sign that your loved one needs assistance. Balancing handling daily living tasks with constant concern for a loved one's safety and health can be challenging and make you feel helpless. This is where our team at Senior Home Care by Angels can make a difference.
Our caregivers throughout Canada provide:
- Daily Monitoring - Monitoring throughout their shifts so they can detect changes in sleep habits and energy levels, and provide updates to families.
- - Helping with bathing, grooming, and meals to make sure seniors stay nourished and safe, even if they are frequently falling asleep in chairs.
- Medication Reminders - Making sure seniors are reminded to take their medications on schedule, which reduces the risk of missed doses or accidental double-dosing.
- Companionship & Engagement - Providing stimulating activities and conversation to keep seniors awake and connected throughout the day is a good way to keep them engaged to avoid sleeping.
- Fall Prevention Assistance - Offering mobility support for seniors who may wake up from sleeping while sitting and attempt to get up and walk after dozing in a chair.
By choosing Senior Home Care by Angels, families can have peace of mind knowing that their aging loved one has the support they need, no matter how much excessive sleep has impacted their daily routine.