It’s normal to have the occasional restless night. A late meal, a stressful day, or even a change in the weather can throw off your sleep. But when restless nights become the rule instead of the exception, it can signal something more serious. If you’re an older adult having trouble sleeping, knowing when to see a doctor, and what to expect, can make the difference between months of fatigue and a quick return to sleep.
As we age, some changes in sleep are expected. But ongoing trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking refreshed isn’t something to ignore. In this guide, we’ll cover the warning signs that it’s time for professional help, what happens during a doctor’s visit, when to consider a sleep study, and how to prepare for the best results.
Normal Sleep Changes vs. Concerning Patterns
With age, our body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) can shift, leading to earlier bedtimes and lighter sleep. We may wake more often during the night or need slightly less total sleep than we once did. This isn’t always a problem. If you feel alert and steady during the day, occasional nighttime wake-ups may be harmless.
But when changes in sleep start affecting your mood, memory, or daily activities, it’s time to take notice. Sleep problems in older adulthood are often linked to treatable conditions, not just “getting older.” When left unchecked, these issues can erode your health and independence over time.
Waking up early and wondering if it’s just a normal part of aging? Find out more about normal sleep changes in later life.
Signs It’s Time to Seek Medical Advice
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider:
- Chronic insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights per week for more than a month. This isn’t just an inconvenience. It can impact mood, immune health, and balance.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness: Nodding off during conversations, reading, or watching television, and especially while driving, is a safety concern and a red flag for sleep disorders.
- Loud, chronic snoring: Particularly if it’s punctuated by gasping or pauses in breathing, which may indicate sleep apnea.
- Unexplained health changes: Weight gain, high blood pressure, new headaches, or mood swings that could be linked to poor sleep.
- Restless legs or jerking movements: Tingling sensations or repeated leg kicks that disrupt your rest and your partner’s.
- Frequent nighttime bathroom trips: Waking three or more times per night to urinate may point to heart problems, diabetes, or untreated sleep apnea.
- Disturbing dreams or confusion upon waking: Especially if they occur often or involve physical movement in bed.
Each of these issues deserves attention because they can increase your risk of falls, heart disease, depression, and other serious health problems. If a loved one notices these signs before you do, take their observations seriously. Sleep issues are often more obvious to others.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Preparation can make your appointment far more productive. Here are steps you can take in the days and weeks before seeing your doctor:
- Keep a sleep diary: Track bedtime, wake time, how long it takes to fall asleep, how often you wake, and how you feel in the morning. Include naps, caffeine, alcohol, and any nighttime bathroom trips.
- List your medications and supplements: Write down all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal remedies, including dosage and timing.
- Note your symptoms: Document headaches, mood changes, memory issues, or morning confusion.
- Record lifestyle habits: Include details on exercise, screen use before bed, and evening routines.
- Bring your questions: Ask about possible causes, recommended tests, and both medical and non-medical treatment options.
By coming prepared, you help your doctor connect the dots faster, which can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
What to Expect During a Doctor’s Visit
Many people delay seeking help because they’re unsure what will happen at the appointment. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
- Symptom review: Your doctor will ask when your sleep problems began, how often they occur, and how they affect your life.
- Medical history: They’ll review your chronic conditions, medications, and family history of sleep disorders.
- Physical exam: This may include checking your airway, nasal passages, blood pressure, heart, and lungs.
- Mental health check-in: Depression, anxiety, and grief can affect sleep, so your emotional well-being may be part of the conversation.
- Questionnaires: You might complete a brief assessment like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to measure daytime sleepiness.
Your doctor may suggest trying lifestyle adjustments first, such as creating a consistent bedtime routine, limiting caffeine after midday, or using a supportive pillow, before ordering additional tests. If symptoms point to a possible disorder like sleep apnea, a sleep study may be the next step.
When to Consider a Sleep Study
If symptoms suggest a specific disorder, your doctor may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography). These tests measure brain activity, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and movement while you sleep.
Common Reasons for a Sleep Study
- Suspected sleep apnea
- Restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder
- Narcolepsy or unexplained excessive daytime sleepiness
- REM sleep behavior disorder
Types of Sleep Studies
- In-lab polysomnography: Conducted overnight in a sleep center, this provides the most detailed information. You sleep in a private room while sensors track your sleep stages, breathing, and movements.
- At-home sleep test: Typically used for suspected sleep apnea, these portable devices record breathing and oxygen levels while you sleep in your own bed.
Your doctor will recommend the option that best fits your symptoms, comfort level, and insurance coverage.
Possible Treatments
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment might include:
- Sleep apnea: CPAP therapy, oral appliances, positional therapy, or weight management strategies.
- Insomnia: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is often recommended over sleep medications.
- Restless legs syndrome: Iron supplementation, medication adjustments, and gentle stretching before bed.
- Pain-related disturbances: Supportive mattresses, pressure-relieving pillows, and nighttime pain management.
Sometimes, even small changes, like adjusting your sleep environment, darkening your room, or fine-tuning your evening routine, can bring noticeable improvements.
Final Encouragement
Poor sleep isn’t something you just have to “live with” as you get older. If your nights are restless and your days are marked by fatigue, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. The right evaluation can uncover treatable causes and set you on a path toward better rest, better mood, and better health.
Can’t wait for your doctor’s appointment? Explore our full library of sleep resources and articles.