What are typical age-related changes in sleep, especially in the elderly?

• A. Reduced slow-wave sleep (N3), more nighttime awakenings, shorter total sleep time, and increased daytime sleepiness
• B. Increased slow-wave sleep and fewer awakenings
• C. Longer total sleep time with more REM
• D. No change in sleep patterns with age

Answer: (A)

As people age, sleep tends to become lighter and more fragmented. The hallmark change is a drop in slow-wave sleep, the deepest non-REM stage (N3), along with more awakenings during the night and a shorter overall sleep duration. Because sleep is more fragmented and shorter, older adults often feel more sleepy during the day. This combination—less deep sleep, more frequent awakenings, and reduced total sleep time—fits typical elderly sleep patterns. Patterns like increased deep sleep, longer total sleep time with more REM, or no change are not characteristic of aging. The shift toward lighter, less restorative sleep helps explain why daytime fatigue and naps become more common in later years.