Although sleep requirements may not differ between young and middle-aged adults, older adults tend to have a more difficulty getting their required amount of sleep.[1] Some studies have suggested that, rather than being an intrinsic part of the aging process, sleep deficiencies may be secondary to other illnesses in older people.[2] Regardless of the cause, both short and long sleep durations have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.[3] Some researchers have speculated that negative health-associations with long sleep duration may be due to decreased sleep quality due to sleep fragmentation.[3]
How do sleeping patterns change in older adults?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Older adults often struggle to get the sleep they need, which may be associated with other health issues rather than aging itself. Both insufficient and excessive sleep durations in this population are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.