Can sleep cycles change with age?

Yes, sleep structure changes throughout life. Children generally spend more time in deep sleep, while deep, slow-wave sleep tends to decrease after puberty and continue declining with age. Older adults may experience lighter sleep, more frequent awakenings and earlier sleep and wake times. REM sleep patterns also change from infancy through adulthood. Age-related health conditions, medications, pain and changes in daily activity can further affect sleep cycles. These changes do not mean older adults no longer need sleep, although their nighttime sleep may become more fragmented. Maintaining regular sleep times, daytime activity and morning light exposure can support a healthy pattern. Significant daytime sleepiness, loud snoring or major changes in sleep should not automatically be dismissed as normal aging.