Sleep in the Aging Brain

Sleep is a quintessential part of life, vital to both physical and cognitive health, and a sense of well-being. The nature of sleep changes with aging. Aging has been associated with increased fragmentation of sleep, reduced sleep duration, and less deep sleep (slow wave sleep) [1]. Several factors can lead to sleep disturbances in advanced age, such as one or combinations of the following: medications, environmental changes, medical conditions, social factors, and mental health [1]. Recognizing the impact of these factors and providing sleep strategies can have a positive impact on the quality of life with aging.