Seniors and sleep disruption

[Anonymous]

Sorry if I sound clueless, but I’ve only recently started overlooking my dad’s care (he is 79) and he often complains how he had a “terrible night” not sleeping. He also likes to sleep in and it’s a pain for him to get up before 10 am for sure, but anything to do before noon is always a feat.

I am surprised because even though I don’t have much experience, I’ve heard that elderly people don’t sleep much and wake up early, as a rule.

Why is it like that with my dad and how common is it? He doesn’t complain of any specific pain, he is healthy for his age, I don’t know what’s up with him.
He is also very conservative with medications but sometimes can be persuaded. I don’t see the need to see his doctor for it but maybe the hive mind knows something incl OTC stuff I can make him try?

[Anonymous]

*oversee not overlook! Freudian slip I guess

[Anonymous]

I have long had sleepless nights since before I was 70.
Does he have trouble getting to sleep or going back to sleep if he wakes up? Different things. Different remedies.
He likely gets up to go to the toilet, too. DH does even with medication but fortunately goes back to sleep easily,

[Anonymous]

Why does a 79 year old need to do anything before noon? Other than maybe occasional doctor appointments or special events?

There could be lots of things causing him not to sleep well. He needs to be much more specific with a doctor to see if there is potential help. I would not start trying OTC stuff when you don’t seem to have basic info. Like the previous poster said — is it falling asleep or waking up a lot? Does he need to go to the bathroom? Does he sleep on one side and his hip hurts? Do the trash men come by at 6am? You need a lot more info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have long had sleepless nights since before I was 70.
Does he have trouble getting to sleep or going back to sleep if he wakes up? Different things. Different remedies.
He likely gets up to go to the toilet, too. DH does even with medication but fortunately goes back to sleep easily,

It’s both but mostly falling asleep after he wakes up

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does a 79 year old need to do anything before noon? Other than maybe occasional doctor appointments or special events?

There could be lots of things causing him not to sleep well. He needs to be much more specific with a doctor to see if there is potential help. I would not start trying OTC stuff when you don’t seem to have basic info. Like the previous poster said — is it falling asleep or waking up a lot? Does he need to go to the bathroom? Does he sleep on one side and his hip hurts? Do the trash men come by at 6am? You need a lot more info.

Mostly wakes up (no reason) and it’s either no reason for not going back to sleep or some vague aches and pains (he walks a lot and it’s mostly in his legs).

[Anonymous]

magnesium glycinate (make sure glycinate version to prevent loose stools.) 400 mg at 6:00 pm

Make sure he gets some outside exercise and out in the sun each day

[Anonymous]

Some meds can interrupt sleep.

[Anonymous]

Melatonin with magnesium and lavender, depending on other meds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:magnesium glycinate (make sure glycinate version to prevent loose stools.) 400 mg at 6:00 pm

Make sure he gets some outside exercise and out in the sun each day

He takes walks that are up to 10k steps; tried magnesium but didn’t like that it made him “weak”. Maybe he took it in the morning? I will check or maybe give him something that doesn’t outright say it’s magnesium
Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some meds can interrupt sleep.

He is fairly healthy and I think he only takes vitamins and a low dose of blood thinners in the morning.