As I’ve gotten older and some of my health conditions have gotten worse, I find I have more trouble sleeping. Is insomnia just a symptom of aging or can something be done to help me sleep better?

Martha Twaddle, MD, responds:

While sleeping patterns do change with age, for many, insomnia may be more a result of medications or daily routine than getting older. When insomnia persists, try taking an inventory of medications, daily habits and the home environment.

Is your bed comfortable? How old is your mattress? Is your bedroom quiet and dark enough? Simple environmental factors such as these can play a big role in how well you are able to sleep through the night.

Frequent naps or health conditions that make more bed rest necessary can also affect your sleep at night. How much time do you spend napping during the day? The amount of sleep our bodies need decreases with age. If you think about a 24-hour day and estimate how many of those hours you spend sleeping, you may find that you are getting far more rest than is needed.

It is also important to touch base with your doctor about the timing of any medications you are taking. Some medications, if not taken at the proper time, can disrupt sleep and should be taken well before bedtime.

Finally, let your physician know if you are experiencing any pain due to health issues. Patients tend to under-report pain to their doctors and, in turn, symptoms that may interfere with sleep go untreated. You may want to consider a palliative care consultation provided by our palliative care specialists.

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