What does it mean when an elderly person starts sleeping a lot?

Oct 28, 2025 4 min read •

Geriatrics senior care Healthy Aging

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects between 1% and 5% of the general elderly population. A sudden increase in sleep for an elderly person can signal various underlying issues, ranging from normal aging shifts to more serious medical or psychological concerns, and warrants careful observation.

Quick Summary

Increased sleepiness in an elderly person can be a symptom of underlying issues like sleep disorders, chronic illnesses, depression, or a side effect of medication, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional if it persists or appears with other symptoms.

Key Points

Not a Normal Part of Aging: While sleep patterns change with age, excessive daytime sleepiness is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition, not a standard part of getting older.
Watch for Underlying Causes: Increased sleep can be linked to sleep apnea, chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, or neurological disorders such as dementia.
Review Medications: Many medications commonly prescribed for seniors can cause drowsiness, and reviewing them with a doctor is a vital step in investigation.
Consider Mental Health: Factors like depression, anxiety, social isolation, and boredom can significantly impact an elderly person's energy levels and sleep patterns.
Recognize Warning Signs: Accompanying symptoms like confusion, shortness of breath, or persistent pain alongside excessive sleepiness should prompt immediate medical attention.
Optimize Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent routine, controlling the sleep environment, and encouraging gentle activity can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

Understanding the Causes of Increased Sleepiness in Seniors

While some changes in sleep patterns are a natural part of aging, a significant or sudden increase in an elderly person's sleep can be a sign of a deeper health issue. Sleep for seniors often becomes more fragmented, with less time spent in deep, restorative sleep stages, which can lead to more daytime napping. However, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is not a normal part of aging and should be investigated. The causes can be multifactorial, including physical, mental, and environmental factors.

Medical Conditions

Various health problems common in older adults can contribute to increased sleepiness:

Sleep Disorders: Sleep apnea is a frequent culprit, where a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. This causes fragmented, non-restorative sleep at night, leading to excessive fatigue during the day. Other disorders like restless legs syndrome or narcolepsy can also play a role.
Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and arthritis can cause fatigue and drain energy levels. Chronic pain from these conditions can also disrupt nighttime sleep, leading to more daytime sleepiness.
Dementia and Neurological Disorders: As conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease progress, they often cause significant changes in sleep patterns, including increased daytime sleepiness and disrupted nighttime rest. This is due to the extensive brain changes associated with these diseases.
Infections: Illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make an elderly person tired as their body works harder to fight the infection. In some cases, these infections may present with vague symptoms and go undiagnosed, with fatigue being a primary sign.

Mental Health and Emotional Factors

Depression and Anxiety: Emotional distress, including depression and anxiety, is a common cause of excessive sleepiness in seniors. This can be triggered by life changes such as retirement, loss of a spouse, social isolation, or declining health. Depression can cause either insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep).
Boredom and Loneliness: A lack of engaging activities or reduced social interaction can lead to boredom and loneliness, which can cause an older adult to nap more simply because they have nothing else to do. A less structured daily routine can also contribute to this.

Medication Side Effects

Older adults often take multiple medications (a practice known as polypharmacy), and many of these drugs can cause drowsiness or fatigue as a side effect. The body's ability to metabolize medications changes with age, making seniors more vulnerable to side effects. Common culprits include:

Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Pain medications (opioids)
Blood pressure medications
Sleep aids

Other Factors Influencing Sleep

Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid can lead to anemia and leave seniors feeling sluggish and weak.
Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can cause fatigue and lethargy.
Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can create a vicious cycle where a lack of exercise leads to fatigue, which in turn makes a person less likely to exercise. Regular, moderate activity can boost energy levels.

When to Be Concerned: A Comparison

It is important for caregivers to distinguish between normal changes and potential health issues. Here is a comparison to help understand when to seek medical advice.


Observation	Normal Age-Related Change	Potential Health Concern	Actionable Steps
Daytime Napping	Naps are short (20-40 mins) and refreshing. Overall alertness during the day is good.	Naps are frequent, long, or unrefreshing. The person is groggy and struggles to stay awake.	Limit daytime naps, especially in the afternoon. Encourage engagement and activity.
Nighttime Sleep	Wakes up more often but can easily fall back asleep. Total sleep duration remains adequate for their needs.	Frequent awakenings lead to poor-quality sleep and excessive daytime tiredness.	Improve sleep hygiene: cool, dark, quiet room. Maintain consistent bedtime.
Energy Levels	A gradual, moderate decrease in energy. Still engages in daily activities and hobbies.	Significant or sudden drop in energy. Loses interest in activities and withdraws from social interaction.	Monitor changes and consult a healthcare provider, mentioning other possible symptoms.
Mood	Generally stable mood and outlook, despite life changes.	Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.	Talk to the person and encourage seeking medical or mental health support.
Overall Health	No other significant, unexplained symptoms. Recent health changes are managed effectively.	Fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or pain.	Seek immediate medical attention. These can be signs of a serious issue.

Actions for Caregivers and Family

If you are a caregiver for an elderly person who is sleeping a lot, monitoring their habits and looking for accompanying symptoms is crucial. Maintain open communication with their healthcare provider to discuss any changes and review all medications. Implementing changes to daily routines, sleep hygiene, and diet can also make a significant difference. Keeping the person socially engaged and mentally stimulated can combat boredom and loneliness, while gentle physical activity can boost energy levels. Creating a structured routine can help regulate their internal body clock and improve sleep quality.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Health and Well-being

When an elderly person starts sleeping a lot, it is a sign that should not be ignored. While some age-related shifts in sleep are normal, a persistent and significant increase in sleep can be a red flag for underlying health conditions, mental health issues, or medication side effects. By observing patterns, noting other symptoms, and communicating with healthcare professionals, caregivers can help ensure the elderly person receives the proper assessment and care. A proactive approach not only addresses the symptom of excessive sleep but can also lead to an improved quality of life and overall well-being. It is a critical aspect of compassionate and effective senior care.

For more information on healthy aging, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers valuable resources [https://www.nia.nih.gov/health].

Frequently Asked Questions

While increased sleep is a natural part of the end-of-life process, it is not the only cause of excessive sleepiness. Many medical and environmental factors can cause an increase in sleep, and it should not be assumed that a person is nearing the end of life without a thorough medical evaluation.

Like younger adults, seniors generally need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. The difference often lies in the quality and pattern of sleep, which can become more fragmented with age, leading to daytime fatigue.

Begin by consulting a doctor to rule out medical issues or medication side effects. Encourage regular, gentle physical activity, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, limit daytime naps to short periods, and provide social and mental stimulation to combat boredom and loneliness.

Yes, depression and other mental health challenges are a common cause of hypersomnia (excessive sleep) in older adults. It is not a normal part of aging and should be addressed by a healthcare professional.

Yes, many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness as a side effect. It is important to review all current medications with a doctor to see if they could be contributing to increased sleepiness.

Common sleep disorders affecting older adults include obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia. These conditions disrupt restorative sleep at night and often lead to excessive daytime sleepiness.

You should be concerned and seek medical attention if the change in sleep is sudden or significant, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss. These could indicate a more serious health problem.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.