Is it normal for older adults to wake up in the middle of the night?

Seeking Help
1

Hello everyone. For years now, my dad wakes up around 3 or 4 AM every night. After waking, he usually goes to the bathroom, then spends about an hour on his computer or reading before he sleeps again. He’s 65 and this pattern started in his 50s. He doesn’t see it as a problem, though he often needs a 30-60 minute nap in the afternoon to catch up on rest. He maintains a healthy lifestyle—eats well, exercises regularly, isn’t overweight, and only drinks socially. While it doesn’t seem serious, I’m slightly worried about his fragmented sleep and wonder if he’d feel even better sleeping straight through. Is this sleep pattern typical for men his age, or should we consider getting a sleep study?

2

If he’s content with his routine and it isn’t affecting him negatively, it might be best to let him be. Everyone has their own sleeping patterns, and it seems like he has found his.

3

Mal said:
If he’s content with his routine and it isn’t affecting him negatively, it might be best to let him be. Everyone has their own sleeping patterns, and it seems like he has found his.

I agree. It sounds like this isn’t causing him any issues and he’s managing well by napping as needed.

4

It doesn’t seem problematic to me. I often sleep through the night and still feel the need for a nap. What your dad experiences is similar to what used to be known as ‘biphasic sleep’ or ‘second sleep’, a term my husband and I use when we occasionally wake up early and then go back to sleep for a bit. Historically, people would wake in the night, complete tasks, and then return to sleep. As our parents get older, their sleep patterns can change, which is quite normal.

5

@Milan
Actually, the historical evidence for biphasic sleep being common in medieval times isn’t very strong.

6

Dane said:
@Milan
Actually, the historical evidence for biphasic sleep being common in medieval times isn’t very strong.

My apologies for the overstatement. Nonetheless, there are enough references to suggest it was not uncommon.

7

He sounds like he’s managing well. Maybe suggest reducing stimulation before bed. Only if his sleep issues worsen, or if he starts having trouble during the day, then it might be worth more serious concern.

8

That actually sounds quite nice, to be honest.