Sleep Patterns in Elderly Women

Normal aging is associated with decreased total sleep time, reduced sleep efficiency, and decreased slow wave and REM sleep, with increased stages 1 and 2 sleep, according to the American Geriatrics Society 1, 2
Sleep architecture changes most significantly between ages 19-60, with more modest changes after age 60 in healthy individuals, as reported by the American Geriatrics Society 1
Older adults experience more frequent interruptions of sleep by long periods of wakefulness, which can further fragment REM sleep, as noted by the American Geriatrics Society 2

Normal REM Sleep Patterns in Elderly

REM sleep typically occurs in approximately 90-minute cycles throughout the night, with more REM sleep taking place in the last half of the night, according to the American Geriatrics Society 1

Medical and psychiatric illnesses can exacerbate age-dependent sleep disruption, including reductions in REM sleep, as reported by the American Geriatrics Society 1, 2
Common medications used by elderly patients, including tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can suppress REM sleep, according to the American Geriatrics Society and other sources 3
Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) can further fragment sleep and reduce REM sleep quality, as noted by the American Geriatrics Society 1

When assessing nocturnal sleep patterns, the effects of sleep quality need to be considered, as deep and quiet sleep (NREM) is associated with lower heart rate compared to REM sleep, as reported in Sports Medicine 6