Which age group is most likely to experience sleep disturbances?

Older adults over 65 are indeed the age group most likely to experience sleep disturbances. As individuals age, physiological changes occur that can impact sleep patterns significantly. Factors such as medical conditions, medications, and changes in circadian rhythms are more prevalent in this demographic, leading to issues like insomnia, fragmented sleep, and other sleep disorders.

Additionally, older adults often experience shifts in their sleep architecture, including a decrease in deep sleep (stages 3 and 4) and increased wakefulness during the night. This combination of factors makes sleep disturbances a common concern in this age group.

While other age groups can experience sleep disturbances—such as teenagers, who may deal with variability due to lifestyle and biological changes, and middle-aged adults facing stress from work and family responsibilities—the prevalence and severity of sleep issues tend to be more pronounced in older adults.