How Much Sleep Is Too Much for Elderly?

Your beloved dad, who's nearly 85, has been sleeping a lot lately, and he can spend hours in bed, even sleeping during the day. This alarms you because he always used to be so active, playing bingo with his friends and doing puzzles, but now when you go visit him, he hardly has the energy to do anything. How much sleep is too much for the elderly?

Too much sleep for the elderly (adults older than 65) is more than seven to eight hours per night, which is considered unhealthy. This points to an underlying problem, such as a health condition or the possible side effects of medications that can disrupt one's sleep.

In this article, I'll explore how much sleep is too much for the elderly, how to tell if your elderly loved one is sleeping too much, and what you can do to encourage healthier sleeping habits.

Is Your Elderly Loved One Sleeping Too Much?

If your elderly loved one sleeps more than seven or eight hours daily, this can be too much for them. However, it's important to note that it's normal for elderly people to take daytime naps, mainly because age-related issues can cause them to wake up at night.

Examples of issues that can encourage people to take daytime naps include having sore joints or the need to go to the bathroom frequently at night. There's nothing wrong with this, as daytime naps can make up for lost sleep.

But, although napping is normal, daytime sleeping can be problematic for your elderly loved one if they spend most of the day sleeping or dozing off. This usually indicates an underlying problem.

For example, people who have dementia are prone to frequent daytime naps and might even lose interest in activities or meals in favor of sleeping, as Alzheimer's Arkansas reports. Your loved one will continue their unhealthy sleeping habits if their underlying condition is not diagnosed and treated.

Signs Your Elderly Loved One Is Sleeping Too Much

Because your elderly loved one could be sleeping a bit more to compensate for lost sleep, it can sometimes be challenging to differentiate between normal and abnormal sleeping patterns, especially if you don't live in the same house.

Here are common signs that your loved one is sleeping too much and needs intervention to address the underlying issue.

• They fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as when they have visitors or during a conversation.
• They miss meals at the expense of sleep.
• They fail to go to the bathroom because they're in bed all day.
• They usually complain about other issues, such as restlessness.
• They are irritable, moody, or withdrawn from their loved ones.
• They feel tired but struggle to fall asleep.
• They don't feel energized after a night of sleep.
• They feel drowsy or fatigued during the day.
• They fall asleep when watching television.
• They struggle to concentrate on activities.
• They rely on taking sleeping pills to sleep or ask their doctor for sleeping pills.
• They have trouble remembering things.
• They take dangerous risks, such as driving when they're sleepy.

Underlying Issues That Cause Excessive Sleepiness

As I've already mentioned, there are some underlying issues and health conditions that can cause your elderly loved one to sleep a lot more than is normal. As Sleep Medicines Clinic reports, common underlying conditions that increase sleepiness for the elderly include:

Sleep Disorders

A common sleep disorder that affects most elderly adults is when they go to sleep early in the evening, only to wake up too early. Such inconsistent sleep patterns can induce sleep during the day, which increases the chances of restlessness, fatigue build-up, and even depression.

While you might assume this is normal because your elderly loved one has time to sleep whenever they want, it's not. As Medical Clinics of North America reports, although sleep patterns do change as we get older, issues such as waking up tired or having disturbed sleep are not a normal part of aging.

Sleep issues can also be a symptom of health conditions or be a precursor to health conditions, such as:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Dementia

Medications

Many medications commonly prescribed to seniors can cause drowsiness or fatigue. These include:

• Pain medications
• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Muscle relaxants

If your loved one started sleeping more after beginning a new medication, discuss this with their doctor.

Depression

Depression is common among the elderly and often manifests as excessive sleep rather than insomnia. Other signs of depression in seniors include:

• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
• Persistent aches and pains

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

As dementia progresses, sleep patterns often become disrupted. Many people with dementia experience "sundowning"—increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon and evening—which leads to irregular sleep patterns and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Boredom and Lack of Engagement

Sometimes the simplest explanation is that your loved one isn't engaged enough during the day. Without stimulating activities, social interaction, or a sense of purpose, it's easy to drift off to sleep.

Physical Illness

Undiagnosed or poorly managed health conditions can cause fatigue. These include:

• Anemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Infections
• Chronic pain
• Heart disease
• Cancer

What You Can Do to Help

If you're concerned about your elderly loved one's sleep patterns, here's what you can do:

Consult Their Doctor

The first step is always to rule out medical causes. Schedule an appointment to discuss:

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Current medications and potential side effects
• Possibility of depression or other mental health concerns
• Screening for underlying medical conditions

Establish a Routine

Regular sleep and wake times help regulate the body's internal clock. Try to:

• Wake up at the same time every day
• Get exposure to natural light in the morning
• Establish a calming bedtime routine
• Limit naps to 20-30 minutes early in the afternoon

Encourage Activity

Physical and mental activity during the day promotes better sleep at night. Encourage:

• Short walks or gentle exercise
• Social activities with friends or family
• Hobbies and mentally stimulating activities
• Volunteer work or purposeful tasks

Review the Sleep Environment

Ensure your loved one's bedroom is conducive to quality sleep:

• Comfortable mattress and pillows
• Dark, quiet room (or use white noise)
• Cool but comfortable temperature
• Limit screen time before bed

Limit Sleep Disruptors

Avoid:

• Caffeine after noon
• Alcohol, which fragments sleep
• Large meals close to bedtime
• Excessive fluids in the evening

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek immediate medical attention if excessive sleep is accompanied by:

• Confusion or altered mental status
• Difficulty waking up
• Signs of stroke or heart attack
• Sudden onset with other concerning symptoms

Consult a sleep specialist if:

• Sleep issues persist despite trying lifestyle modifications
• Sleep apnea is suspected (loud snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing)
• Restless leg syndrome disrupts sleep
• Circadian rhythm disorders are suspected

Final Thoughts

While some changes in sleep patterns are normal with aging, excessive sleep—more than 7-8 hours per night plus long daytime naps—is not typical and warrants investigation.

As a caregiver, your observations are valuable. Keep a sleep diary documenting when your loved one sleeps, for how long, and any associated behaviors or symptoms. This information can help healthcare providers identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Remember that addressing excessive sleep isn't just about the hours spent in bed—it's about ensuring your loved one has the energy and engagement to enjoy their waking hours and maintain the best possible quality of life.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.