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Is It Normal To Sleep 16 Hours A Day During Old Age?
Question: I have a very real sleep problem which people generally dismiss because I'm 84. Years old. I fall asleep sitting up-reading, on my IPad, doing needlepoint, etc. I sleep 16 or more hours a day sometimes. Is this normal?
Brief Answer:
Several possibilities....
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Sleeping 16 hours a day is not normal so some consideration is needed. There can be several causes. One possible cause to consider is sleep apnea. It is a condition which actually means that your airways collapse during sleep with temporary stopping of breathing and sleep disruptions you might not be aware off. That leads to bad quality sleep and sleepiness and fatigue during the day. It is more common in overweight people who snore at night (but can present in their absence as well). The diagnosis is made by polysomnography, where electrodes are placed on your scalp to record brain activity during sleep.
Another possible cause might be a metabolic issue such as thyroid low function which can also lead to apathy and oversleep. This hypothesis can be confirmed or excluded by a simple blood test.
Last but not least are the medication side effect issue. Looking at your past questions I see I have actually answered to a question of yours about 9 months ago where you mention to be taking Zoloft, Xanax and Lyrica. All those 3 drugs can cause somnolence as a side effect so if you're still taking them should withdraw gradually, at least Xanax.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Several possibilities....
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Sleeping 16 hours a day is not normal so some consideration is needed. There can be several causes. One possible cause to consider is sleep apnea. It is a condition which actually means that your airways collapse during sleep with temporary stopping of breathing and sleep disruptions you might not be aware off. That leads to bad quality sleep and sleepiness and fatigue during the day. It is more common in overweight people who snore at night (but can present in their absence as well). The diagnosis is made by polysomnography, where electrodes are placed on your scalp to record brain activity during sleep.
Another possible cause might be a metabolic issue such as thyroid low function which can also lead to apathy and oversleep. This hypothesis can be confirmed or excluded by a simple blood test.
Last but not least are the medication side effect issue. Looking at your past questions I see I have actually answered to a question of yours about 9 months ago where you mention to be taking Zoloft, Xanax and Lyrica. All those 3 drugs can cause somnolence as a side effect so if you're still taking them should withdraw gradually, at least Xanax.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Am I asking too many questions?
Brief Answer:
Not really
Detailed Answer:
Hmmm, to be honest I am not sure what you mean. You can ask as many questions as you need to, since our site is dedicated to answering health questions the more questions the better, we certainly can not fault you for that.
I guess as one gets older starts to have some health problems, so it's natural (though not desirable) to have various issues and questions arising, me or my colleagues will always be willing to answer them and help to the best of our abilities.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Not really
Detailed Answer:
Hmmm, to be honest I am not sure what you mean. You can ask as many questions as you need to, since our site is dedicated to answering health questions the more questions the better, we certainly can not fault you for that.
I guess as one gets older starts to have some health problems, so it's natural (though not desirable) to have various issues and questions arising, me or my colleagues will always be willing to answer them and help to the best of our abilities.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I just don't want to be a hypochondriac...asking too many questions.
Brief Answer:
Do not think so.
Detailed Answer:
Well I can't judge about other questions you have made, but regarding the questions I have answered I see them as fully justified.
At the end of the day your excessive sleep may (hopefully) turn out to be nothing, but if really 16 hours a day must be investigated before reaching to that conclusion.
Wishing you good health
Do not think so.
Detailed Answer:
Well I can't judge about other questions you have made, but regarding the questions I have answered I see them as fully justified.
At the end of the day your excessive sleep may (hopefully) turn out to be nothing, but if really 16 hours a day must be investigated before reaching to that conclusion.
Wishing you good health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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