Age-related Changes in Sleep Physiology and Common Sleep Disorders in Older Adults

Ji, Ki-Hwan

doi:2025.43.4.212

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 43(4); 2025 > Article

Review Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(4): 212-221. doi: https://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2025.0030

노화에 따른 수면 생리 변화와 주요 노인 수면장애

지기환

인제대학교 의과대학 인제대학교부산백병원 신경과

Age-related Changes in Sleep Physiology and Common Sleep Disorders in Older Adults

Ki-Hwan Ji MD

Department of Neurology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea

Corresponding Author: Ki-Hwan Ji ,Tel: +82-51-890-8613, Fax: +82-51-890-6130, Email: kihwanji@gmail.com

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Received: July 17, 2025 Revised: August 10, 2025 Accepted: August 11, 2025 Published online: November 1, 2025

Abstract

As individuals age, their sleep patterns and underlying physiological processes gradually change. While some of these modifications are normal adaptations to aging, others may increase the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. This review examines age-related changes in sleep architecture, microstructure, and regulation of sleep homeostasis and discusses how these physiological alterations are associated with pathological sleep conditions and cognitive dysfunction. It further explores the clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and treatment strategies for prevalent sleep disorders in older adults, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. This review emphasizes that changes in sleep among the elderly should not be seen merely as consequences of normal aging, but should be carefully evaluated and addressed with individualized therapeutic approaches. This review aims to enhance the understanding of sleep physiology and sleep disorders in older adults and provide a foundation for clinical applications.

Key Words: Aging | Sleep | Physiology | Sleep wake disorders | Cognitive dysfunction