Why Do Some Elderly People Sleep So Much?

Brian Callahan • July 22, 2024

Why Do Some Elderly People Sleep So Much?


At 7 Day Home Care, we understand that many elderly people experience increased sleep due to a variety of factors such as changes in sleep architecture, chronic health conditions, medication side effects, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This excessive sleep can impact their ability to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Our dedicated caregivers play a crucial role in helping elderly individuals remain independent in the comfort of their own homes by addressing these challenges comprehensively. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, we help our clients achieve better sleep patterns and maintain their independence and quality of life.  7 Day Home Care is licensed by the New York State Department of Health to provide home care services in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York.

Why do some elderly people sleep so much?

Elderly People Tend to Sleep More Based on

Medical, Psychological and Lifestyle Factors


As people age, their sleeping patterns and needs often change, leading many elderly individuals to sleep more than they did in their younger years. This phenomenon can be perplexing and concerning for family members and caregivers. At 7 Day Home Care, we understand the importance of addressing these changes comprehensively, focusing on both the underlying causes and potential solutions. This detailed article explores why elderly people tend to sleep so much, considering medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors, and offers insights into how to manage these changes effectively.


Understanding the Sleep Patterns of the Elderly


Natural Changes in Sleep with Age

Aging naturally affects sleep architecture, the structure, and pattern of sleep over the course of a night. As people age, they experience:

  1. Decreased Sleep Efficiency: Older adults often spend more time in bed but less time asleep. This reduced sleep efficiency can lead to fragmented sleep and more frequent awakenings during the night.
  2. Altered Sleep Stages: There is a shift towards lighter sleep stages (N1 and N2) and a decrease in deep sleep (N3) and REM sleep, which are crucial for restorative rest.
  3. Changes in Circadian Rhythm: The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, tends to advance with age, leading to earlier sleep and wake times. This can cause elderly individuals to feel sleepy in the early evening and wake up very early in the morning.


Common Medical Conditions Affecting Sleep

Several medical conditions prevalent among the elderly can significantly impact sleep patterns, including:

  1. Chronic Pain: Conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and back pain can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
  2. Sleep Apnea: This condition, characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, is more common in older adults and can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness.
  3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): These disorders cause uncomfortable sensations in the legs and involuntary movements, disrupting sleep.
  4. Heart Disease and Respiratory Disorders: Conditions such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to difficulties in breathing and poor sleep quality.


Psychological Factors and Sleep

Mental health issues can also play a significant role in excessive sleep among the elderly:

  1. Depression: Depression is common in older adults and can lead to both insomnia and hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
  2. Anxiety: Anxiety can cause fragmented sleep and contribute to overall fatigue and increased need for rest.
  3. Cognitive Decline: Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease often disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to increased napping and irregular sleep schedules.


Medication Side Effects with Respect to Sleep

Many elderly individuals take multiple medications for various health conditions, and some of these medications can affect sleep:

  1. Sedatives and Tranquilizers: Medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia can lead to drowsiness and increased sleep.
  2. Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
  3. Antihistamines: Commonly used to treat allergies, these medications can also cause drowsiness.


Lifestyle, Environmental Factors and Sleep

Several lifestyle and environmental factors can contribute to increased sleep in the elderly:

  1. Reduced Physical Activity: Lack of exercise can lead to lower energy levels and increased sleepiness.
  2. Social Isolation: Loneliness and lack of social engagement can contribute to depression and increased need for sleep.
  3. Poor Sleep Environment: Factors such as an uncomfortable mattress, noise, and light can impact sleep quality, leading to compensatory daytime sleep.


Managing Increased Sleep in the Elderly


Medical Interventions and Sleep

  1. Addressing Underlying Health Conditions: Proper management of chronic pain, heart disease, respiratory disorders, and other health conditions can improve sleep quality.
  2. Evaluating Medications: Reviewing medications with a healthcare provider to identify and address those that may contribute to drowsiness or poor sleep.
  3. Treating Sleep Disorders: Professional diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, RLS, and PLMD are crucial. This might involve CPAP machines for sleep apnea or medications for RLS and PLMD.


Psychological Support and Sleep

  1. Counseling and Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for treating depression and anxiety, which can, in turn, improve sleep patterns.
  2. Support Groups: Participation in support groups can help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression, promoting better sleep.


Lifestyle Modifications Related to Sleep

  1. Encouraging Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and overall energy levels. Activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga are beneficial.
  2. Promoting Social Engagement: Encouraging participation in social activities, hobbies, and community events can combat loneliness and improve mental health.
  3. Establishing a Sleep Routine: Creating a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can help regulate the body’s internal clock.
  4. Optimizing the Sleep Environment: Ensuring a comfortable mattress, controlling noise and light levels, and maintaining a cool room temperature can enhance sleep quality.


Nutrition and Hydration

  1. Balanced Diet: A healthy diet can influence energy levels and sleep patterns. Foods rich in tryptophan, such as turkey, nuts, and dairy, can promote better sleep.
  2. Hydration: Adequate hydration is important, but it’s best to limit fluids close to bedtime to reduce nighttime awakenings.


Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies

  1. Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
  2. Limiting Naps: Encouraging shorter and earlier naps can help prevent disruption of nighttime sleep.


The phenomenon of elderly individuals sleeping more than they did in their younger years can be attributed to a combination of natural aging processes, medical conditions, psychological factors, medication side effects, and lifestyle influences. At 7 Day Home Care, we emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing these changes, which includes medical interventions, psychological support, lifestyle modifications, and creating an optimal sleep environment.


Understanding and addressing the root causes of increased sleep can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals, helping them maintain their independence and well-being. By staying informed and proactive, caregivers and family members can provide the necessary support to ensure that their loved ones enjoy a restful and rejuvenating sleep, contributing to overall health and happiness. To learn more about our home care services near you in New York, please call 516-408-0034 for a free consultation.


Brian Callahan

7 Day Home Care

7 Day Home Care is the top 24/7 Home Care agency in NYC.
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care April 23, 2025
Best 24/7 In-Home Senior Care in NYC: Alzheimer's & Dementia Help 7 Day Home Care proudly delivers exceptional 24/7 in-home care services across New York City and Long Island, setting the standard for reliability, compassion, and clinical excellence. Recognized for our person-centered approach, we go beyond basic care by tailoring every service to the unique needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds of the individuals we serve. Our thoughtful client-caregiver matching ensures continuity, trust, and comfort—especially vital for those facing memory loss or chronic conditions. Families throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties consistently turn to 7 Day Home Care for one key reason: our team is the most responsive in the industry, always available to provide support, guidance, and peace of mind at any hour of the day or night. 7 Day Home Care provides 24/7 home care services in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , and Long Island, New York. To learn more about our award winning elder in-home care services near you, please call 516-408-0034.
7 Day Home Care provides the top home health aides for Alzheimer's and dementia care in queens, NY
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care April 17, 2025
Best Alzheimer's and Dementia Home Care Services in Queens, New York The highly trained and experienced Home Health Aides from 7 Day Home Care provide enormous benefits to families seeking compassionate, reliable Alzheimer's and dementia in-home care throughout Queens, New York. These professionals are specifically trained in memory care techniques, enabling them to manage behavioral changes, reduce agitation, and support cognitive engagement—all while preserving the dignity and routines of each client. Their deep understanding of the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia allows them to recognize subtle changes in condition and adapt care strategies accordingly, ensuring both safety and emotional well-being. From assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation to companionship and redirection techniques that ease confusion and anxiety, 7 Day Home Care’s aides become trusted extensions of the family. Supervised by registered nurses and following detailed, personalized care plans, these caregivers provide consistent, person-centered support that allows seniors to remain comfortably and safely at home. Their presence not only improves quality of life for individuals living with memory loss, but also offers families peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in the capable and caring hands of the leading home care agency in Queens, NY. 7 Day Home Care provides Alzheimer's and dementia home care services in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , and Long Island, New York. To learn more about our award winning elder in-home care services, please call 516-408-0034.
Standby assistance for seniors is critical for fall prevention
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care April 14, 2025
What is Standby Assistance in Home Care? A Guide for Families At 7 Day Home Care, we believe that standby home care offers an invaluable service for seniors and their families—one that balances safety, dignity, and independence. By having a trained caregiver present to supervise and intervene only when necessary, we help manage fall risk before it turns into a crisis, preserving mobility and confidence in the home. This proactive approach not only provides families with peace of mind, but also helps seniors avoid the dangerous spiral of a fall leading to hospitalization, followed by rehabilitation, exposure to infections, and potentially accelerated cognitive decline. With standby care, clients are empowered to maintain their daily routines while staying protected—an essential middle ground between total independence and full-time hands-on assistance. It’s thoughtful, preventative care that supports aging in place with strength, stability, and grace.  Rise describes standby assistance as follows: "we all use some form of insurance, but not many of us know what it is to BE insurance. To provide stand-by assist is to be there, just in case someone needs you to help prevent a fall or injury. Stand-by assistance is for clients who can physically function on their own, but may not be safe without someone around to help in case of an emergency. Also, besides safeguarding the client against fall or injury, a stand-by assistant may set up needed equipment or supplies for the client ahead of time, while not participating in the activity. A person who provides stand-by assistance is a literal support person. The 17th-century poet Milton, in Paradise Lost, said it best: “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Stand-by assistants, by their very presence, provide a sense of added safety, security, and calm to clients. Clients know they are not alone, and if something bad happens, someone who knows what to do is right there." 7 Day Home Care provides standby home care services to manage fall risk in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , and Long Island, New York. To learn more about our award winning elder in-home care services, please call 516-408-0034.
home health aide providing stand-by walking assistance for elderly at home
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care April 9, 2025
How In-Home Care Reduces Fall Risk for Seniors at Home Falls are one of the most serious health risks facing older adults at home, often leading to a cascade of complications that extend far beyond the initial injury. A single fall can result in fractures, head trauma, or internal injuries—many of which require hospitalization and lengthy stays in skilled nursing facilities or rehabilitation centers. These disruptions can severely impact a senior’s independence, mobility, and mental health, sometimes triggering a decline in overall well-being that is difficult to reverse. According to American Academy of Family Physicians , The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatrics Society recommend that all adults older than 65 years be screened annually for a history of falls or balance impairment. In addition to the physical toll, fall-related injuries frequently lead to increased reliance on long-term care, elevated stress for family caregivers, and significant financial burden. Preventing falls is not just about safety—it’s about protecting a senior’s health, dignity, and quality of life. A fall in an elderly person can trigger a cascading effect , leading to a decline in physical and cognitive function, increased fear of falling, social isolation, and reduced quality of life, potentially leading to further falls and injuries. 7 Day Home Care is your top home care agency in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York. Please call us today at 516-408-0034 to learn more about fall prevention strategies, and explore the prospects for home care services for your loved one.
Alzheimer's and dementia care at home is very difficult for families
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care April 3, 2025
7 Tips for Alzheimer's and Dementia Care at Home: A Family Guide Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s diseas e, dementia, or any form of cognitive impairment at home is among the most demanding forms of caregiving due to the condition’s progressive nature, emotional complexity, and the constant need for vigilance. Unlike other medical conditions that may have clear treatment paths or predictable routines, cognitive decline affects every aspect of a person’s identity—memory, communication, behavior, and judgment—often changing day to day. At 7 Day Home Care, we understand that this kind of care requires not only physical assistance but also deep emotional patience, consistency, and specialized skills to manage wandering, sundowning, confusion, and challenging behaviors, all while preserving the person’s dignity and autonomy. The emotional toll on family caregivers can be immense, especially when a loved one no longer recognizes them or becomes increasingly withdrawn or aggressive. Our highly trained caregivers are equipped to meet these challenges with empathy and expertise, offering families the support they need to navigate one of life’s most complex caregiving journeys. 7 Day Home Care provides best home care agency services near you in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York. To learn more about our specialized in-home care Home Health Aide services near you, please call 516-408-0034.
10 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Home Care and What to Do Next
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care March 31, 2025
10 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Home Care and What to Do Next Being proactive with an aging parent’s care can make the difference between a manageable situation and a preventable crisis. Waiting until an emergency—like a fall, hospitalization, or sudden cognitive decline—can lead to unnecessary stress, higher medical costs, and longer recovery times. Recognizing early warning signs and engaging home care services sooner rather than later allows families to maintain control, safety, and dignity for their loved one. At 7 Day Home Care, we specialize in providing compassionate, reliable, and comprehensive in-home support tailored to each individual's unique needs. Our services range from personal care assistance, medication management, and meal preparation to companionship, light housekeeping, and skilled nursing care under the supervision of licensed registered nurses. We proudly serve families across New York, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Whether it’s a few hours a week or around-the-clock care, our certified home health aides and care coordinators work seamlessly to ensure seniors can live comfortably, safely, and independently at home. 7 Day Home Care is a top in-home care agency service provider in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York. Please call us today at 516-408-0034 to explore the possibilities for home care services for your parent.
Best home care services in NY to help maintain an elderly loved one's independence
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care March 27, 2025
When Relying on Home Care Services Increases a Senior's Independence At 7 Day Home Care, our outstanding team of certified home health aides is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional support that empowers seniors to live safely and confidently in the comfort of their own homes. Each caregiver is carefully trained and supervised by registered nurses to ensure the highest standard of care, with personalized services tailored to meet the unique needs of every client. Whether assisting with daily activities, medication reminders, or simply offering companionship, our home health aides play a vital role in helping your elderly loved one maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life at home. 7 Day Home Care provides outstanding home care services in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , and Long Island, New York. To learn more about our top home health aide care services who can assist with helping your loved one maintain their independence at home, please call 516-408-0034.
The Benefits of 24-Hour In-Home Care for Seniors in New York
By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care March 25, 2025
The Benefits of 24-Hour Home Care for Seniors in New York 7 Day Home Care offers trusted, comprehensive 24-hour in-home care services throughout Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island, New York , providing families with peace of mind and seniors with the round-the-clock support they need to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes. Whether your loved one requires assistance due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, chronic illness, recent hospitalization, or simply needs ongoing help with daily activities, our team of certified home health aides—supervised by registered nurses and licensed by the New York State Department of Health—delivers personalized, compassionate care tailored to each client’s unique needs. With caregivers available day and night, 7 days a week, our 24-hour care includes medication reminders, mobility assistance, personal hygiene support, meal preparation, companionship, and constant monitoring to prevent falls and respond to emergencies. As the top home care agency across New York City and Long Island, 7 Day Home Care ensures continuity, comfort, and dignity for every senior we serve.
By Brian Callahan March 3, 2025
The 3AM Dilemma: When a Home Care Agency Becomes a Lifeline Proactive planning for overnight care is one of the most effective ways to safeguard a loved one’s health, safety, and overall well-being. Many medical emergencies—such as falls, confusion from dementia, or complications from chronic conditions—happen at night when family caregivers are asleep and options for immediate help are limited. By arranging overnight home care in advance, families can prevent these crises rather than react to them. A trained caregiver ensures that seniors and individuals with health concerns receive consistent monitoring, mobility assistance, medication reminders, and help with toileting needs, all of which significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. Beyond safety, a structured nighttime routine promotes better sleep, reduces anxiety, and improves long-term health outcomes. Having a professional caregiver in place also eases the burden on family members, allowing them to rest knowing their loved one is well cared for. At 7 Day Home Care, we help families develop customized care plans that address specific overnight needs, ensuring continuous support that enhances quality of life and prevents avoidable medical emergencies. 7 Day Home Care provides 24 hour care, overnight care in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York. To learn more about our top home health aide care services, please call 516-408-0034.
By Brian Callahan February 25, 2025
7 Day Home Care Accepts Lincoln Financial Long Term Care Insurance Choosing 7 Day Home Care as your home care provider ensures unparalleled confidence and peace of mind, knowing you are supported by outstanding home health aides and a robust, long-standing relationship with Lincoln Financial Long-Term Care Insurance. Our meticulously trained and compassionate aides deliver exceptional, personalized care, ensuring your loved ones are in the best hands. Coupled with our seamless collaboration with Lincoln Financial, we streamline the insurance process, ensuring you receive the full benefits of your policy without the administrative burden. This synergy between top-tier care and efficient insurance coordination fosters a worry-free environment, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your loved one’s comfort, health, and well-being. 7 Day Home Care provides leading in-home care services covered by Lincoln Financial Long Term Care Insurance in Manhattan , Queens , Brooklyn , Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York. To learn more about our top home care services, please call 516-408-0034.
Show More