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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It To Be Concerned About Prolonged Sleeping During Old Age?

My mother in law lives with us and is 90 years old. We have seen a sudden decline in her energy and mobility. She now sleeps as long as we sill let her, sometimes 20 to 22 hours a day. We have seen her PCP, Kidney Dr and GI Dr who found a small GI bleed now resolved. Is this just part of aging or should we still be concerned?
Wed, 31 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and thanks for your question. It is not typical that older people sleep that long. In fact, older people often need less sleep than younger people. It would be a good idea for her doctor to examine her, do some blood tests and try to determine the cause of her sleepiness. It would also be good for the doctor to look at all of her medications as many medications can have sedation as a side effect. This is especially true in older patients as they are more susceptible to side effects of medications. I hope she is doing better soon.
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Is It To Be Concerned About Prolonged Sleeping During Old Age?

Hello and thanks for your question. It is not typical that older people sleep that long. In fact, older people often need less sleep than younger people. It would be a good idea for her doctor to examine her, do some blood tests and try to determine the cause of her sleepiness. It would also be good for the doctor to look at all of her medications as many medications can have sedation as a side effect. This is especially true in older patients as they are more susceptible to side effects of medications. I hope she is doing better soon.