Aging and Sleep The number of older adults in the United States is expected to grow significantly over the next several decades. In fact, while people over 65 made up about 15% of the U.S. population in 2016, they’re expected to make up over 21% of the population by 2040. This trend is also playing out globally, as the United Nations estimates that the amount of people over 60 will double by 2050 and triple by 2100 (United Nations). Aging is tied to numerous health concerns, including sleep difficulties. In fact, poor sleep can contribute to many of these problems, reducing quality of life in people over 65. Sleep is important for your body, from the brain, heart, and lungs to energy, protection against disease, and mood. It also affects your ability to function during the day. A good night’s sleep can help you learn, pay attention, create new memories, make decisions, respond quickly, be creative and solve problems (NIA, 2020).

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• To understand normal changes in sleep for elderly residents and know what is considered a sleep disturbance
• To know why it is important to be aware of and intervene in disturbed sleep patterns
• To understand which interventions might work for different sleep disturbances and how to effect change in environment
• To know appropriate interventions to improve the sleep quality of long term care residents
• To understand the factors that contribute to disturbed sleep-in long-term care residents