This question is directed to seniors, the older the better! (I am 71.5). As I look back on my life over the decades, whenever I became sleepy during the day, that sleepiness was gradual.
Starting about one-half year ago came an abrupt, noticeable and, for me, disturbing change. As we grow older our bodies change. But we have no owner's manual! It's almost impossible to say if a change is due to aging or something else. But we can compare notes, and that's where I need your help.
The new change that I'm talking about that disturbs me is that, during the day, I may become suddenly sleepy, something immediate, almost like a wave, that practically compels me to lie down. This frightens me. Yet, when I do sleep and wake up, I feel better. So this makes me think that the problem was being tired that manifested itself in a new way. If rest didn't help, then I'd probably visit the GP ASAP.
Meanwhile, FYI, I try to maintain a disciplined sleep schedule: I go to bed at the same time every night; I wake up at the same time every morning; I sleep for 9.5 hours per night; I nap no more than two times per day and only for 30 minutes (light sleep only). If you fall into a deep sleep during the day (Stage III, slow wave sleep) it can disrupt your night sleep. Plus, I'm improving my diet and exercising during the day.
So, to recap, does anyone else, seniors in particular, experience this sudden sleepiness onslaught and what's your view on it? Much appreciated. (My psychiatrist has prescribed a fairly extensive bloodwork panel but I don't have those results yet).
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Try drinking a cup of coffee or taking a walk or doing some exercises. If you sleep 9 1/2 hours a night you should not need two naps per day during your 70s. See what your blood tests show and keep in mind that excessive tiredness can also be a symptom of depression.
Thank you. Yes, I must await my blood tests result. I'm aware of the connection between depression and sleepiness but I am mostly anxious. However, it could be that I do have some depression that I'm not fully aware of. I am exercising and sometimes that does give me energy. Coffee later than the morning would not be a good idea . . . preventing me from sleeping when I really do need to sleep.
Thank you very much. I appreciate it. As least you know that after you eat, you get suddenly tired, that you make the connection. I just remembered that my psychoanalyst (M.D.) told me that after eating that blood flow to the gut increases and decreases to the brain which could explain that. What scares me is the suddeness when I don't know the reason. It could be that I'm "just tired," but I perceive this as an attack on my mind, my body taking over, etc. Well, I guess that's not surprising as my principal disturbance is mind-body dissassociation, where my mind and body are disconnected.
I googled this and in some cases blood sugar levels can cause sleepiness. Worth checking out. When I'm tired anyway too many carbs can cause drowsiness.
Thank you for this. Do you feel that this sudden sleepiness is due to changes as we age? I never remember experiencing this when I was younger. That's why it's frightening.
I hope you get some answers to explain these recent changes.
There maybe many factors at play especially if you're on medication. Sounds like you are looking into everything which is good.
My husband is almost 73 and often naps during the day especially if we've had a busy schedule with the grandkids etc. But he can keep himself awake if needed.
Thank you for this. If you don't mind me asking, how many times does he nap during the day? Can he nap too many times such that is night sleep is disrupted? Mostly, I want to know if others, such as your husband, experience this sudden, nearly overwhelming tiredness that scares me.
Hi again. He often comes over sleepy in the afternoon 3 ish and if the opportunity arises he will have a kip. Its usually only at this time of day. He deliberately has only a light lunch of fruit because he says it interferes with activity/ energy levels. He isn't on medication for anything and is physically & mentally in good shape.
He starts yawning, gets comfy then nods off but if he needs to stay awake then he'll revive himself quickly. He's not like you describe.
If he naps he'll go to bed later, but usually our bedtime is around 11.30pm.
I like to keep to a sleep routine, I'm the one who has insomnia at times, but I set the alarm if home for 7.30am regardless of what sort of night I've had. I can manage with little sleep and try not to get uptight about it as I've learnt it doesn't help.
Today he got up at 8.30 and is now gardening and doing other jobs. I can't really guess if he'll need a nap later on.
This has been normal for him for some years now since he retired..
How do you sleep at night? Do you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning? I know sleep apnea can interfere with the quality of one's sleep which may lead to feeling tired during the day. Just a thought.
I don't have sleep apnea. I always feel refreshed when I wake up. If I don't, I sleep some more. That is why it is so surprising to me that I have sudden sleepiness when I've rested well at night.
This is what I try and do: It is critical to maintain a normal sleep schedule, so I go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. I don't permit myself to nap more than twice per day and only for 30 minutes. If I have taken my two naps and it is not yet my bedtime and I am suddenly sleepy, I force myself to stay awake. If I don't do that, I will go to bed earlier and earlier and earlier. Last night, for example, when I was suddenly sleepy and forced myself to stay awake, the tiredness passed . . .
Hmmm I can see why you're mystified as this is a recent change for you.I'd be interested in knowing what you find out if you're happy to share of course.
My sleep pattern is a bit of a curiosity to me as well but I live with my episodes of insomnia and just get on with it. I don't nap during the day no matter how tired I often feel.
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I can’t sleep anymore 
Sleep
4 hours of sleep.... give me a freakin break!
