Sleep

Older people generally sleep less than they used to (an average of 6 hours). They also generally sleep more superficially than they used to. Sleep may have set in but they are less aware of it. When they wake up, they may feel as if they haven’t slept at all.

Due to the shorter and more superficial sleep, older people sometimes experience a sleeping problem, although this may not be a sleeping disorder but a reduced sleeping experience. The reduced sleeping experience must still be taken seriously.  A reduced leeping experience requires different interventions than a sleep disorder.

 

Bron: Boonstra J. & Van der Sande J. in: Bakker T., Habes V., Quist, G., Van der Sande, J., Van de Vrie, W. (2019) Klinisch redeneren bij ouderen. Functiebehoud in levensloopperspectief. Bohn Stafleu van Loghum.