Sleeping 10 Hours & Still Tired? 5 Health Causes for Women 65+

If you're sleeping 10 hours and still tired, you're not alone. Many women over 65 notice that even long nights in bed don't lead to feeling refreshed. While aging does change sleep patterns, persistent fatigue is not something you should ignore. It can be a sign that your body is dealing with an underlying health issue that deserves attention.

Below are five credible, medically recognized causes of feeling exhausted despite long sleep, explained in clear, practical language and focused on women age 65 and older.

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1. Sleep Apnea: When Sleep Isn't Restorative

One of the most common—and often overlooked—reasons women are sleeping 10 hours and still tired is sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Each pause briefly wakes the brain, even if you don't remember it. This prevents deep, restorative sleep.

Why it's often missed in women 65+

• Women may not snore loudly
• Symptoms can look like insomnia or anxiety
• Fatigue may be blamed on "just getting older"

Common signs

• Waking up unrefreshed
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat
• Daytime sleepiness
• Trouble concentrating

Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, memory problems, and diabetes if left untreated.

If you're experiencing these symptoms, you can check whether they align with Sleep Apnea Syndrome using a free AI-powered symptom checker to help guide your next conversation with a doctor.

If sleep apnea is suspected, speak to a doctor. Diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve energy and overall health.

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2. Anemia or Low Iron: Less Oxygen, Less Energy

Anemia happens when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Even mild anemia can make you feel worn out.

Why women 65+ are at risk

• Reduced iron absorption with age
• Chronic conditions affecting blood production
• Certain medications
• Undiagnosed internal bleeding

Symptoms may include

• Constant tiredness
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Feeling cold more often

If you're sleeping long hours but still tired, anemia could be a factor. A simple blood test can usually detect it.

Anemia can sometimes signal a more serious condition, so it's important to speak to a doctor, especially if fatigue is worsening or sudden.

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3. Thyroid Disorders: A Slow Metabolism Means Low Energy

The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolism. When it's underactive (hypothyroidism), everything in the body slows down—including energy levels.

Why this matters after 65

• Thyroid problems become more common with age
• Symptoms may be subtle
• Fatigue may be mistaken for normal aging

Possible symptoms

• Sleeping more but feeling exhausted
• Weight gain without changes in diet
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin or hair thinning
• Depression or memory issues

Hypothyroidism is very treatable once diagnosed. If you're sleeping 10 hours and still tired, a thyroid blood test may be worth discussing with your doctor.

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4. Chronic Inflammation or Autoimmune Conditions

Low-grade, ongoing inflammation can drain energy even when you're getting plenty of sleep.

Conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Lupus
• Other autoimmune disorders

…can cause fatigue that doesn't improve with rest.

Why fatigue feels different

• The immune system is constantly active
• Sleep may be disrupted by pain or stiffness
• The body uses more energy just to function

Signs to watch for

• Morning stiffness
• Aching muscles or joints
• Low-grade fevers
• Unexplained weight changes

Persistent inflammation can affect the heart and other organs, so it's important to speak to a doctor if fatigue is ongoing or accompanied by pain or swelling.

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5. Depression or Grief-Related Fatigue

Depression in older women often looks different than in younger adults. It may show up more as fatigue than sadness.

You might find yourself:

• Sleeping longer than usual
• Lacking motivation
• Feeling emotionally "flat"
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

Life changes common after 65—such as retirement, loss of loved ones, or health concerns—can trigger depression or prolonged grief.

Important to know

• Depression is not a weakness
• It is a medical condition
• Treatment can greatly improve energy and quality of life

If you're sleeping 10 hours and still tired, and nothing feels enjoyable anymore, speak to a doctor or mental health professional. Help is available, and it works.

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Other Factors That Can Add to Fatigue

Sometimes fatigue comes from multiple small issues, not just one big diagnosis.

These may include:

• Medications (especially blood pressure or pain medications)
• Dehydration
• Low vitamin B12 or vitamin D
• Poor sleep quality due to pain or frequent nighttime bathroom trips
• Too little daytime movement

A doctor can review medications, lifestyle factors, and lab results to get a fuller picture.

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When to Speak to a Doctor Urgently

While many causes of fatigue are manageable, some can be serious or life-threatening if ignored.

Speak to a doctor promptly if fatigue is:

• Sudden or severe
• Getting worse over time
• Combined with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting
• Accompanied by unexplained weight loss or bleeding

Listening to your body matters at every age.

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The Bottom Line

If you are sleeping 10 hours and still tired, it's not something you should simply accept as normal aging. For women 65+, persistent fatigue often has a medical explanation—and many causes are treatable once identified.

Key takeaways:

• Long sleep doesn't always mean good sleep
• Conditions like sleep apnea, anemia, thyroid disease, inflammation, and depression are common and often missed
• A simple evaluation can make a big difference

Consider starting with a free evaluation using the Sleep Apnea Syndrome symptom checker to see if your symptoms align with this common condition, and then speak to a doctor about your symptoms, especially if fatigue is affecting your daily life or safety.

You deserve to feel rested, alert, and supported—at every stage of life.