Sleep After 60: Why Insomnia Becomes More Common - and More Disruptive July 21, 2025 Sleep After 60: Why Insomnia Becomes More Common—and More Disruptive If you're over 60 and finding it harder to fall asleep—or stay asleep—you're not alone. Insomnia becomes increasingly common with age, and for many older adults, it’s more than just an occasional restless night.1 It can seriously impact your health, mood, and overall quality of life. What is insomnia, exactly? Insomnia is a sleep disorder where you struggle to fall asleep (sleep-onset insomnia), stay asleep (sleep maintenance insomnia), or both.2 You might find yourself lying awake for hours, waking up repeatedly during the night, or rising far too early and feeling unrefreshed. The result? Daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, mood changes, and a general sense of exhaustion.3 Between 10% and 30% of adults live with insomnia, but prevalence increases sharply after age 60.1 In fact, more than half of older adults experience sleep difficulties, and up to 20% meet the criteria for chronic insomnia—where disrupted sleep occurs at least three times a week for over three months, often accompanied by fatigue, irritability, and cognitive issues.4 Why does sleep change with age? There are several reasons why older adults are more prone to insomnia. For one, our internal circadian rhythms—the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle—become less precise with age.1 You might feel sleepy earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning, yet still struggle to feel well-rested. Sleep architecture also shifts.1 The amount of time spent in deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) and REM sleep declines with age. These stages are essential for mental and physical restoration, so their reduction leaves you more vulnerable to frequent night wakings and that groggy, unrefreshed feeling in the morning. Older adults are also more likely to have medical conditions or take medications that can interfere with sleep.2 Chronic pain, heart disease, depression, and conditions like restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea all contribute to disrupted rest. Even seemingly benign medications can impact your ability to fall or stay asleep. Why it matters Insomnia isn’t just an inconvenience—it can have serious health consequences. Poor sleep is linked to decreased memory, reduced attention span, higher risk of falls and accidents, and worsening of chronic illnesses.4 Long-term sleep disruption has even been associated with cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Despite how common insomnia is in late life, it’s often under-recognised or dismissed as a normal part of ageing. But the truth is, the need for restorative sleep doesn’t decline with age—only the body’s ability to maintain it does. If sleep difficulties are affecting your daily life or wellbeing, don’t brush them off. Speak to your doctor—help is available, and better sleep is possible at any age. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References Fry, Alexa, and Anis Rehman. “Insomnia & Seniors.” Sleep Foundation, 22 Nov. 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/older-adults. National Institute on Aging. “Sleep and Older Adults.” National Institute on Aging, 6 Feb. 2025, www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/sleep-and-older-adults. León-Barriera, Roberto, et al. “Insomnia in Older Adults: A Review of Treatment Options.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, vol. 92, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2025, pp. 43–50, www.ccjm.org/content/92/1/43. Kamel, Nabil S., and Julie K. Gammack. “Insomnia in the Elderly: Cause, Approach, and Treatment.” The American Journal of Medicine, vol. 119, no. 6, 1 June 2006, pp. 463–469, www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(05)01056-9/fulltext.
