It’s normal for our sleeping patterns to change with age because lifestyle habits and medical conditions can affect the production of sleep hormones.
As a result, many adults report having difficulties falling or staying asleep, feeling tired earlier in the evening, or waking up earlier in the morning. While changing sleep patterns can be a normal part of ageing, they can sometimes be due to an underlying condition.
Here, we’ll cover various age-related sleep conditions and the medical conditions that can sometimes cause them.
Common age-related sleep conditions
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common condition characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep regularly, even when you feel physically and/or emotionally exhausted.
We all suffer from short-term insomnia from time to time – for example, when we’re nervous. But symptoms that appear at least three times a week for longer than a month are classed as chronic insomnia.
In many cases, lifestyle changes can help treat insomnia. For example, exercising, reducing screen time before bed, sticking to a bedtime routine, and creating a relaxing sleeping environment. Though in some cases, you may need to speak to your GP to access additional help and support.
You can find tips on how to treat insomnia in our article: What is insomnia and how can you improve it?
Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. It can cause people to snore heavily, make gasping and snorting noises, and wake up throughout the night – often resulting in disrupted sleep and daytime tiredness.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea, caused by blocked airways. Another type is central sleep apnoea, which happens when the connection between the brain and muscles responsible for breathing fail.
In mild cases, sleep apnoea doesn’t require treatment. However, it’s always important to speak to your doctor if you think you have it, to rule out any underlying health conditions. Your GP may refer you to a sleep clinic for further tests, if necessary
Many people with sleep apnoea use a CPAP machine, placed over the mouth and nose, to help them breathe during the night. These are provided for free on the NHS where suitable.
You can find more information in our article: Sleep apnoea – symptoms, causes, and treatment.
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Restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movements
Both restless leg syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements (PLMS) are distressing and can disturb sleep. RLS is a neurological condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs. PLMS are involuntary, repetitive movements of the arms and legs during sleep that occur more than 15 times per hour.
The exact cause of these conditions is unknown. However, studies show that the risk of RLS and PLMS almost doubles with age. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, PLMS affects up to 40% of people over 65.
Mild cases of RLS and PLMS can usually be treated with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and practising healthy sleep habits. However, if symptoms are more severe, medication may be required. If you think you have RLS or PLMS, it’s best to book an appointment with your GP.
You can learn more about coping with RLS in our article. Or for more information on PLMS, head over to the Sleep Health Foundation website.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that helps regulate our sleep cycle. When disrupted, it’s considered a circadian rhythm sleep disorder, which is typically more common with age.
This is because the internal mechanisms and hormones (like melatonin) responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle lose effectiveness as we get older. Certain medical conditions and medications can also increase susceptibility tocircadian rhythm disorders.
One example of a circadian rhythm sleep disorder is advanced sleep-wake phase disorder (ASWPD), where people routinely go to bed between 6pm and 9pm and wake up between 2am and 5am.
Irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder (ISWRD) is also where sleeping patterns don’t follow a 24-hour day-night cycle, and is common in adults with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
These conditions can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, excessive tiredness, trouble concentrating, and an increased likelihood of depression. So, if these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to speak to your doctor. In many cases, lifestyle adjustments are enough to re-regulate the circadian rhythm. However, sometimes other treatments, such as melatonin supplements, may be recommended.
You can learn more about the sleep-wake cycle in our article: Everything you need to know about melatonin and the circadian rhythm.
REM sleep behaviour disorder
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the stage of the sleep cycle where dreaming occurs. Our muscles are usually paralysed during this stage of sleep, but REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) causes people to physically act out dreams.
For example, people may talk, shout, punch, kick, or jump. Unlike sleepwalking or night terrors, people with RBD can also recall their dreams after waking up. Studies show that RBD is most common in men over 60.
Experts are unsure of the exact cause of RBD, but it’s been linked to certain neural pathways in the brain. As a result, research suggests that RBD can be an early sign of Parkinson’s and dementia.
If you suspect you may have RBD, it’s best to book an appointment with your GP. In many cases, medication will be prescribed. Some people also find it useful to identify triggers that make their RBD behaviour worse – for example, alcohol or drugs. Precautions (such as locking windows, removing objects from the bedroom that could cause injury, and placing the mattress on the floor) can also improve safety.
What medical conditions can cause sleep problems?
In many cases, underlying medical conditions can cause sleep problems. For example, this study found that people who had trouble sleeping were more likely to have an existing condition and be less physically active. Some of the most common underlying conditions include…
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease causes parts of the brain to become progressively damaged over time. Symptoms include involuntary shaking, slow movement, and stiff, inflexible muscles.
Unfortunately, both the disease itself and the medications used to treat it can lead to various sleep problems.
This is because people with motor (movement) symptoms often struggle to find comfortable sleeping positions or may experience nocturnal hallucinations. People with Parkinson’s are also more susceptible to sleep conditions such as REM sleep behaviour disorder, restless legs syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea.
You might find it useful to read our article: Parkinson’s disease – symptoms, causes, and ways to cope.
Gastrointestinal conditions
Gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease have been linked with poor sleep and insomnia.
This study found that around seven in 10 people with Crohn’s or Colitis experience sleep problems during flare-ups. In another study, 39% of people with IBS suffered from insomnia at least once a month, with 15% reporting that stomach pain woke them up.
Equally, insomnia can trigger symptoms by causing stress and anxiety.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for at least 12 weeks. Some of the most common types of chronic pain include headaches, arthritis, postsurgical, cancer-related, and lower back pain.
Chronic pain is closely linked with insomnia. While the pain makes it difficult to get comfortable, fall asleep, or stay asleep, a lack of sleep can also exacerbate symptoms.
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, your GP will be best placed to advise you on pain management. But examples include medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, surgery, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Some lifestyle changes can also ease pain and break the cycle of insomnia. These include creating a healthy sleep environment, eating foods that promote sleep, practising yoga, taking short evening walks, and using breathing techniques.
Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. It can create shifts in the sleep-wake cycle, such as trouble falling asleep and needing to nap during the day. You can read more about these changes on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
To help with this, experts recommend lifestyle changes. For example, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, getting enough sunlight, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and exercising regularly.
If these don’t help, it’s important to speak to your GP.
Mental health conditions
According to the UK charity Mind, sleep and mental health are closely related.
A lack of sleep can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Equally, stress, anxiety, and depression can disrupt sleep. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of struggling to get to sleep and waking up feeling unrested, which can take its toll on mental health.
If you’ve been struggling with your mental health recently and are experiencing disrupted sleep, here are some articles you may find useful…
Worried about accessing the NHS care you need?
83% of Rest Less members are worried about accessing the healthcare they need on the NHS#, making fast access to treatment more important than ever.
HMCA private medical cover offers affordable, flexible plans, with 90% of members saving money when they switch. Enjoy peace of mind. Join today and get £150 off your subscription.
#Data from over 1,000 Rest Less members surveyed in 2025
^Data from HMCA members who joined between 01/01/25 and 30/06/25
What support is available for people with sleep problems?
There are places you can reach out to for some extra support.
Firstly, it’s best to speak to your GP, as they can talk you through the available options and offer guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Alternatively, The Sleep Charity aims to help everyone get a better night’s rest. They also offer a confidential helpline if you need to talk to someone about your sleep.
Or, you might find it helpful to attend the Sleep Better Clinic over on Rest Less Events. These free online sessions are designed to help you rest, relax, and achieve better sleep.
Final thoughts…
It’s normal for sleeping patterns to change with age, and you may find it more difficult to fall or stay asleep, and feel refreshed in the morning.
Sometimes, these changes can be down to sleep conditions such as sleep apnoea, REM behaviour disorder, and circadian rhythm disorders. In other cases, underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal conditions may be the cause.
The good news is that most sleep conditions can be improved with lifestyle changes and, in situations where symptoms are more persistent, other treatment options are often available.
For further reading, head over to our sleep and fatigue section.
What are your experiences with sleep conditions? Have you noticed changes to your sleeping patterns as you’ve aged? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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