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.

Timely orthopaedic care, including physiotherapy, posture correction, and strengthening exercises, is vital for managing back pain and improving spinal function. Regular physical activity, such as walking and low-impact exercises, plays a critical role in maintaining back health and enhancing sleep quality.

Societal perceptions often normalize suffering in old age, limiting conversations around elderly health to emergencies. Caregiver exhaustion and the tendency for elders to minimize pain due to fear of appearing dependent also contribute to overlooked issues. Professionals urge families and caretakers to look closely for signs of pain and take sleep disruptions seriously.

Ageing should not equate to silent suffering. Experts advocate for a shift from dismissing discomfort as 'just old age' to actively seeking the underlying causes of pain and sleep issues, ensuring elders have rest, comfort, and dignity.