The Link Between Aging and Sleeplessness

January 01, 1970
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Sleeplessness, along with other physical symptoms, has long been an accepted part of the aging process. Seniors o8en find it takes longer to fall asleep and struggle to stay asleep than in their younger years. A commonly held belief is that sleep needs decline with age, but this is untrue. Research shows that adults require seven to nine hours sleep regardless of their age. So why can’t seniors sleep?

Changes in sleep architecture are to blame for most common sleep problems. Sleep occurs in multiple stages including dreamless light periods, deep sleep and occasional periods of active dreaming, called REM sleep. These phases are repeated several times during the night and although total sleep time tends to remain constant, seniors spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep than in deep sleep.

In addition to changes to sleep architecture, changes to the circadian rhythm affect sleep quality. Older people tend to fall asleep earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning than they did in their younger years, a condition called sleep phase syndrome. The reason for this shift isn’t clear, but one theory is that it may have to do with light exposure. Treatment options for advanced sleep phase syndrome typically include bright light therapy during daylight hours.

The occurrence of sleep disorders is more common with age. Calcification of the pineal gland over time means that the brain does not product as much natural melatonin as a healthy one. Foods such as caffeine can accelerate this process. Research suggests, however, that many of the problems seniors struggle with can be a result of physical and psychiatric challenges and the medications used to treat them.

Fatigue doesn’t have to be a symptom of aging anymore! Regardless of the cause, adding Zenbev to a calming nighttime routine can help promote natural sleep by stimulating natural melatonin production. Using only food-based ingredients, Zenbev doesn’t cause side effects nor does it interfere with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Zenbev can help restore your quality of life, so you can feel like yourself again.