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Published on: 10/24/2025

What health conditions make sleeping difficult for older people?

Older adults often have trouble sleeping due to conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and other chronic health issues.

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Explanation

As people get older, sleeping well can become more difficult. This can be due to several health conditions common in older adults.

Common Sleep Problems:

  1. Insomnia: Many older people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which is called insomnia. This can be caused by stress, anxiety, or other health problems.
  2. Sleep Apnea: This condition makes people stop breathing for short times while they sleep. It can cause loud snoring and make people feel tired during the day.

Other Health Conditions:

  • Chronic Pain: Conditions like arthritis can cause pain that makes it hard to sleep.
  • Heart and Lung Problems: Issues like heart failure or lung diseases can make breathing difficult at night.
  • Mental Health Issues: Depression and anxiety can also affect sleep.

These conditions can make it hard for older adults to get a good night's sleep, impacting their overall health and well-being. If mental health is a concern, please visit 988lifeline.org.

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