Why is the old man sleeping all the time?

If the elderly sleep all the time, this is also a bad sign. Generally speaking, the elderly sleep for about 6 to 7 hours, which is relatively normal. If they sleep all the time, they should be alert to some disease-related reasons. The physical fitness of the elderly gradually declines, and they are prone to some chronic diseases. These chronic diseases often lead to drowsiness in the elderly. Let’s understand why elderly people sleep all the time.

Why is the old man sleeping all the time?

1. Environmental factors

If the elderly live a lonely and monotonous life and live in a lonely environment, and they often do not like to move and are prone to drowsiness due to poor physical strength, poor heart function, or bone and joint diseases.

2. Brain factors

When elderly people become drowsy, the first thing to consider is whether they have brain disease. For example, when the elderly suffer from brain inflammation, brain tumors, brain atrophy, cerebral arteriosclerosis and cerebrovascular disease, they may become drowsy.

3. Physical factors

Generally speaking, physical factors are the most common cause of sleepiness in the elderly. Elderly people are often physically weak, especially those suffering from systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism or lung infection. Early symptoms are often mental fatigue and drowsiness.

4. Drug factors

It mainly refers to the side effects of sleeping pills, because some sleeping pills have a longer duration of action. In addition, if the elderly have chronic renal failure or hypoalbuminemia, they are prone to after-effects of sleeping pills, which manifest as poor spirits, fatigue and drowsiness after getting up the next day.

What is sleepiness in the elderly?

1. Neurological diseases

If the elderly suffer from some neurological diseases, it can also cause daytime sleepiness.

2. Idiopathic hypersomnia

This disorder is clinically similar to narcolepsy in that patients experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite apparently adequate nighttime sleep. The difference is that it does not cause cataplexy and there is no obvious improvement in spirits after sleep.

3. Sleep apnea

Older people with excessive daytime sleepiness often have obstructive sleep apnea, with symptoms including snoring, choking, and breathing pauses. Physical examination reveals obesity, thickened neck, and narrow upper airway.

4. Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is characterized by discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs when at rest. This symptom is milder during the day and worse at night. The symptoms can be relieved after leg activities. Most elderly patients move their legs during sleep.

5. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disease with abnormal sleep-wake control. Its clinical manifestations include excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations and cataplexy. Some elderly people belong to this group.