Falling Asleep While Working? 5 Warning Signs for Women 65+

Falling Asleep While Working? 5 Warning Signs for Women 65+

If you've noticed yourself falling asleep while working, you're not alone—and you're not weak or "lazy." For women over 65, unexpected daytime sleepiness can be common, but it's not something to ignore. Changes in sleep patterns, medications, and health conditions become more likely with age. Most causes are treatable once identified.

Below are five warning signs that deserve attention, explained in clear, practical terms. The goal is to help you recognize when tiredness is normal—and when it may be a signal to check in with a doctor.

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Why this matters for women 65+

As we age, our sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented. Women are also more likely to juggle caregiving, experience medication side effects, or live with chronic conditions that affect energy. Credible medical organizations consistently note that persistent daytime sleepiness is not a normal part of aging and should be evaluated.

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1) You Doze Off During Tasks That Used to Keep You Alert

If you're falling asleep while working—especially during activities that require focus—it's a key warning sign.

Examples include:

• Nodding off while reading, using a computer, or paying bills
• Struggling to stay awake during meetings, phone calls, or volunteering
• Feeling sleepy while driving or waiting at a stoplight

Why this matters:
Sleepiness during active tasks suggests your brain isn't getting enough restorative sleep—or that something is interfering with alertness. Common contributors include sleep apnea, restless sleep, medication effects (such as from pain relievers or anxiety medications), or underlying medical conditions.

What helps:
A doctor can review sleep habits, medications, and health history to identify reversible causes.

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2) Your Sleep at Night Is Long—but Not Refreshing

Many women 65+ report sleeping 8–9 hours yet still feeling exhausted. If you wake up tired day after day and find yourself falling asleep while working, this pattern deserves attention.

Possible reasons include:

• Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing that disrupt deep sleep)
• Frequent nighttime awakenings to use the bathroom
• Pain, hot flashes, or discomfort
• Depression or anxiety affecting sleep quality

Why this matters:
Quantity of sleep is not the same as quality. Poor-quality sleep increases the risk of memory problems, falls, and heart issues over time.

What helps:
A healthcare professional can assess sleep quality and decide whether sleep testing, medication changes, or lifestyle adjustments could help.

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3) You Need Frequent Naps—or Fall Asleep Without Planning To

An occasional nap is normal. But unplanned naps—especially during work or conversations—can be a red flag.

Watch for patterns like:

• Needing naps most days just to function
• Falling asleep within minutes of sitting down
• Feeling a sudden, overwhelming urge to sleep

Why this matters:
Persistent daytime sleepiness may be linked to conditions such as sleep apnea, anemia, thyroid problems, or—in rarer cases—sleep disorders like narcolepsy. Narcolepsy can occur later in life and is often overlooked in women.

If sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks sound familiar, taking a few minutes to complete a free AI-powered Narcolepsy symptom checker could help you understand your symptoms better and have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

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4) Memory, Focus, or Mood Are Slipping Alongside Sleepiness

Sleepiness rarely shows up alone. If you're falling asleep while working and also noticing changes in thinking or mood, it's worth paying attention.

Common signs include:

• Trouble concentrating or following conversations
• Increased forgetfulness or "brain fog"
• Irritability, low mood, or loss of interest in activities

Why this matters:
Poor sleep affects the brain's ability to store memories and regulate emotions. Over time, this can affect independence and quality of life. Sleep problems can also worsen conditions like depression or early cognitive changes.

What helps:
Addressing sleep quality often improves mental clarity and mood. A doctor may evaluate for sleep disorders, mood concerns, or medical conditions that affect the brain.

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5) Your Health or Medications Have Changed Recently

New or worsening sleepiness often follows a change in health status or medications.

Common contributors in women 65+ include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Pain medications (especially opioids)
• Anxiety or sleep medications
• Antihistamines or muscle relaxants

Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or low iron can also cause fatigue and sleepiness.

Why this matters:
Medication-related sleepiness is common and often fixable by adjusting timing or dosage—but only with a doctor's guidance.

What helps:
Bring a full list of medications and supplements to your appointment. Never stop a medication on your own.

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When Is Falling Asleep While Working an Urgent Concern?

Seek medical care promptly—or urgently—if sleepiness is paired with:

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• New confusion or sudden memory loss
• Falling asleep while driving

These can signal serious or life-threatening conditions and should not be delayed.

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Practical Steps You Can Take Now

Without creating anxiety, here are calm, practical next steps:

• Track your sleep for 1–2 weeks (bedtime, wake time, naps, awakenings)
• Review medications with your pharmacist or doctor
• Note patterns of when you're falling asleep while working
• Limit alcohol and late-day caffeine
• Schedule a medical visit to discuss symptoms openly

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The Bottom Line

For women over 65, falling asleep while working is not something to brush off as "just getting older." While many causes are mild and treatable, persistent daytime sleepiness is your body's way of asking for attention.

You don't need to panic—but you do need to take it seriously.

If you're experiencing unexplained excessive sleepiness or sudden sleep episodes, using a Narcolepsy symptom checker can help you identify patterns and prepare questions for your doctor. Most importantly, speak to a doctor about any ongoing sleepiness, especially if it affects safety, thinking, or daily life. Early evaluation can protect your health, independence, and peace of mind.