Why do older men experience sleep disturbances?

Sleep disturbances in older men are often caused by underlying back pain, stemming from age-related muscle tone decline and bone degeneration, rather than solely insomnia or age itself.

What are the consequences of poor sleep in older adults?

Poor sleep negatively impacts mood, memory, balance, and immunity, while increasing the risk of falls and worsening chronic health conditions, significantly reducing quality of life.

How can elderly back pain and sleep issues be managed?

Early orthopaedic intervention through physiotherapy, posture correction, strengthening exercises, weight management, and appropriate pain relief can improve spinal function and sleep quality.

Home / Health / Old Age Pain Steals Sleep: Experts Urge Action

Old Age Pain Steals Sleep: Experts Urge Action

23 Jan

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Summary

Back pain, not just age, often causes sleep loss in older men.
Poor sleep affects mood, memory, immunity, and increases fall risk.
Early pain management improves spinal function and sleep quality.

Old Age Pain Steals Sleep: Experts Urge Action

Discomfort in older individuals, particularly sleep disruption, is frequently attributed to age rather than underlying issues like back pain. This persistent pain can quietly erode sleep night after night, impacting mood, memory, balance, and immunity, while increasing the risk of falls and exacerbating chronic conditions.

Experts highlight that diminished muscle tone and early bone degeneration contribute to conditions like hemispherical hypotonia. This can alter spinal curvature, leading to sustained back strain and subsequent sleep disturbances, including poor sleep satisfaction and daytime sleepiness.

The relationship between back pain and sleep issues is bidirectional. Research indicates that back pain often precedes sleep disturbances, suggesting pain is a primary driver. Over time, disturbed sleep can lower pain tolerance and delay tissue recovery, creating a vicious cycle.