Sleep Challenges in Older Adults: Expert Insights and the Legacy of a Lifesaving Blood Donor

As individuals age, achieving a restful night’s sleep can become increasingly challenging due to various physiological and psychological factors. Sleep psychologist Shelby Harris highlighted several reasons for this phenomenon during an appearance on “CBS Mornings Plus.” She noted that stress, changes in sleep structure, and hormonal fluctuations are significant contributors to sleep difficulties among older adults. According to the Sleep Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sleep health education, between 40% and 70% of individuals aged 65 and older experience chronic sleep problems.

One of the primary issues affecting sleep in older adults is the alteration in sleep depth. Harris explained that as people enter their 60s and 70s, the depth of their sleep tends to decrease, resulting in lighter sleep overall. This change can make it more difficult for older adults to achieve the restorative sleep necessary for optimal health. Additionally, sleep disorders such as insomnia become more prevalent with age, further complicating the ability to maintain a regular sleep pattern.

Hormonal changes also play a role in sleep disturbances among the elderly. These changes can lead to increased nighttime awakenings, often due to the need to use the bathroom more frequently. Such interruptions can disrupt the sleep cycle, making it harder for older adults to fall back asleep and achieve a full night’s rest. Experts suggest that addressing these issues through lifestyle adjustments and, when necessary, medical interventions can help improve sleep quality for older individuals.

In related news, James Harrison, an Australian man renowned for his life-saving blood donations, passed away at the age of 88. Harrison’s blood contained a rare antibody that was instrumental in developing the medication anti-D, which is administered to pregnant women at risk of blood-related complications with their unborn children. Despite his aversion to needles, Harrison began donating blood at the age of 18, fulfilling a promise he made after receiving life-saving transfusions as a teenager. His contributions are credited with saving over 2 million babies, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood. Harrison’s passing was reported to have occurred peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales.