Editor’s Note: The following Q&A was developed by the National Sleep Foundation as part of their ongoing efforts to promote healthy sleep and safety in later life. Dr. Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs, shares insights on the intersection of sleep, safety, and technology in aging — and how innovative approaches can help older adults sleep better and live more safely.
Let’s dive in!
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Why should older adults and their caregivers prioritize sleep health as a safety issue?
At the National Sleep Foundation, we often say sleep is the golden thread that weaves through every aspect of health—and that’s especially true as we age. Sleep and safety are deeply intertwined. Poor sleep doesn’t just mean feeling groggy; it doubles the risk of falls, slows reaction time, clouds judgment, and can jeopardize everything from medication management to driving. When sleep suffers, so does independence. When someone isn't sleeping well, we're not just talking about feeling tired, we're talking about real safety risks that can compromise health, well-being, and independence.
Many people assume that poor sleep is just a normal part of getting older. Is that accurate?
That’s one of the most common myths I work to correct. Yes, sleep patterns shift with age. Older adults tend to get less deep and REM sleep and may wake more often, but poor sleep isn’t a given. That’s an important point we made in our recently published recommendations on sleep and aging in the journal Sleep Health. What’s really happening is that aging brings other challenges: medications that disrupt sleep, chronic pain, undiagnosed sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia, other chronic health conditions, and changes in circadian rhythms. These can all interfere with sleep, and they’re all addressable. Healthy, restorative sleep is absolutely achievable at any age and is especially important for our brain health and longevity.
Let's talk about the specific sleep challenges older adults face. What are the most common issues you see?
There’s a handful of common sleep culprits.
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First, circadian shifts, many older adults naturally get sleepy earlier and wake up earlier.
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Second, nocturia, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, breaks up sleep and increases fall risk, especially in dark or cluttered environments.
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Third, sleep apnea becomes more common with age and often flies under the radar.
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Fourth, medications for things like blood pressure, depression, or pain can sabotage sleep quality.
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And finally, the sleep environment matters. A bedroom that’s too warm, noisy, or brightly lit can make achieving good sleep harder.
How can technology help address these challenges while supporting both sleep health and safety?
Technology is opening exciting doors. Wearable and in-room sleep trackers have become increasingly sophisticated at detecting sleep patterns, movement, and even breathing irregularities that might suggest sleep apnea. While not all of these are diagnostic tools, they can identify concerning trends worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Smart home technology can also support sleep. Motion-activated nightlights and pathway lighting can reduce fall risk during those nighttime bathroom trips. CPAP machines can track treatment adherence and automatically adjust pressure settings, which can improve outcomes. National Sleep Foundation encourages and celebrates efforts to incorporate sleep science and insight into accessible health products and services. Our annual SleepTech® Award recognizes the year’s most innovative efforts in advancing sleep technology, and we’ve already seen several submissions and winners that can benefit older adults.
What evidence-based sleep practices should older adults prioritize alongside these technological solutions?
Tech works best when paired with healthy sleep behaviors. Start with consistency, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends. Keep the bedroom cool (60–67°F), dark, quiet. Good air quality can help, too. Get outside daily for 45–60 minutes of bright light exposure and stay physically active. Regular routines, like consistent mealtimes, help reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle. And if you’re doing all the right things but still struggling, don’t wait. Talk to a sleep specialist.
How can technology facilitate better communication between older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers around sleep health?
This is where technology can really shine in supporting collaborative care and communication. Wearable devices and home monitoring systems can generate sleep data that people can share with their caregivers and healthcare providers. This data can help providers make diagnostic and treatment decisions. For caregivers, especially those not living with their older loved ones, remote monitoring capabilities provide peace of mind and early alerts to potential problems. Connected medical devices, like CPAP machines, can allow sleep specialists to monitor treatment adherence and effectiveness remotely. Digital health platforms are also facilitating access to behavioral sleep interventions, which are particularly valuable in underserved areas with limited access to sleep specialists.
What's the most important message you want older adults and their families to take away from this conversation?
Sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a cornerstone of health, well-being, safety, and performance, especially for brain health and longevity. Healthy sleep is achievable at any age, and addressing sleep health is one of the most impactful measures you can take. Sleep affects everything: cognitive function, physical ability, immune health, mood, and overall quality of life. With the right combination of healthy sleep behaviors, environmental modifications, and potential integration of technology, older adults can maintain and improve their sleep health. If you're struggling with sleep, don't dismiss it. Reach out to your healthcare provider, explore the resources available through the National Sleep Foundation, and know that you can get the sleep you’re dreaming of.
Dr. Joseph Dzierzewsk, PhD, is Senior Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at the National Sleep Foundation. He specializes in sleep in older adults.
Interested in connecting with leaders like Dr. Dzierzewski who are advancing innovation in aging and wellness? Participants can connect directly through the AgeTech Collaborative™ platform. If you’re not yet part of the Collaborative, join us today to start engaging with innovators shaping the future of AgeTech.
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