How does sleep pattern typically change in older adults?

As individuals age, typical sleep patterns often shift, leading many older adults to go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier. This change can be attributed to various factors, including changes in circadian rhythms and the body's natural production of melatonin, which tends to decrease with age. Consequently, older adults may find that they feel sleepy earlier in the evening and awaken at dawn or shortly thereafter. This pattern contrasts with younger adults, who often experience a more varied sleep schedule, including staying up later and waking up later.

Other factors that can influence sleep in older adults include medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes, which may also affect sleep quality and total sleep duration. However, the general trend is characterized by an earlier onset of sleep and wakefulness, reflecting the adjustments in their biological clock as they age.