Age does seem to be an important risk factor of insomnia. Studies have shown that majority of the elderly people wake up at some point during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. The cause of this disorder ranges from lack of exercise to discomfort and pain caused by underlying medical conditions.

Generally, melatonin production reduces with age. This chemical mediator is essential to maintain the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Reduction in melatonin levels causes sleep disturbances. Elderly people tend to be more sedentary than younger people. Lack of exercise and sunlight affects the body’s well being and disturbs sleep patterns.

Older people are also more prone to conditions like diabetes, heart ailments, gastric trouble, frequent urination, restless leg syndrome etc. These conditions cause pain and discomfort which makes them wake up several times a night. Prescription drugs for medical conditions can also cause insomnia. Aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists and, ironically, benzodiazepines are commonly used by older people. These substances reduce melatonin production and interfere with nighttime sleep. Older people are also more vulnerable to emotional problems, depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease etc. These problems can cause insomnia. Overall, older people suffer from insomnia more frequently than younger ones.