Why do elderly people need more sleep?

Question

Is there a biological reason behind it?

Answer 1

Yes. As we age, our bodies produce less and less stomach acid. By the time we are 70, we are only producing less than 5% of what we did at 25. The primary reason for this is that the parietal cells in the stomach get tired and cooked foods use up the acid much faster because cooking gets rid of the enzymes that food contains that help it to be digested.

When the stomach is not acidic as food arrives, it doesn't get digested properly and old people just don't get the nutrients they did when they were younger.

A good example of this is calcium absorption. This happens in the jejunum (upper part of the small intestine). When the stomach chime goes through the pyloric sphincter into the jejunum, it must be acidic to allow the calcium to be absorbed through the wall of the jejunum. Old people can take huge amounts of calcium pills, but if their acid is not being produced, they will not absorb it.

You are not what you eat, but what you digest.

This is why taking antacids are so bad. When low stomach acid happens, the food lies in the stomach and putrefies and rots. This produces LACTIC ACID that causes acid reflux and acid indigestion. Antacids stop the Lactic acid problem, but also neutralize the stomach acid. So now, the food passes down the intestines undigested throwing off toxins and creating deficiencies leading to many degenerative diseases.

No wonder older people are tired. A lot of them resort to drugs and caffeine to give them a boost. This only makes the problem worse. The caffeine causes the body to go into a "flight or fight" mode and causes the Adrenal Glands to produce lots of cortisol creating many endocrine problems.

Healthy old people do not have this problem and are very active in all ways. Nutrition does work, but it is very difficult to find the right path in America today.

A very good web site to check out is: www.westonaprice.org This is a great web site that relates to what Dr. Price did in the early 30's to investigate cultures and diets around the world that had people living way into their hundreds and very healthy.

good luck

Answer 2

Elderly Sleeping All The Time

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why do elderly people need more sleep?
Is there a biological reason behind it?

Answer 4

Age is a factor of speed and stamina. As your age increases your S&S decrease. The biological reasoning behind it is how fast your bodies cell's regenerate. Your muscles do not regenerate as fast as they once did, and you become tired a lot faster. They also degenerate over time if not used.
The connection between synapses in your brain also decrease in speed. Causing you to move, think, and feel lethargic a majority of the time.

However, some people pick up active cardio and muscular training through their mid life as a counter to offsetting retirement. These people are seen living past 80, and are able to run 6-9 minute miles. So there is always hope.

Answer 5

I think cause their bodies are breaking down and certain vitamins have been depleted. I totally agree with the guy above, makes lots of sense. But the years of working, stress and the natural process breaks down the body until all you want to do is sleep. Then again, there are people who never get any sleep cause the melatonin levels have been depleted too. I think that in nursing homes they dope them up so much that's all they can do.

Answer 6

In general, they don't need more sleep. The majority of elderly people that I see that DO sleep more, I think is out of boredom rather than necessity.

Answer 7

Perhaps their bodies take longer to recharge the batteries.

Answer 8

they r lazy