Aging can also affect sleep architecture by which change?

Aging can also affect sleep architecture by which change?

• A. Increased REM sleep
• B. REM sleep unchanged
• C. Decreased REM sleep
• D. REM sleep becomes longer

Answer: (C)

As people age, sleep architecture shifts toward lighter, more fragmented sleep, and REM sleep tends to decrease. In older adults, the total amount of REM sleep is often reduced, and REM periods occur less frequently, with a longer time to reach the first REM phase. This pattern reflects age-related changes in the brain systems that regulate REM and overall sleep regulation. Because REM sleep supports memory consolidation and mood, its reduction can contribute to daytime tiredness and cognitive changes. So the change that best describes aging is a decrease in REM sleep. The other patterns—more REM sleep, no change, or longer REM—don’t align with typical age-related sleep changes.

As people age, sleep architecture shifts toward lighter, more fragmented sleep, and REM sleep tends to decrease. In older adults, the total amount of REM sleep is often reduced, and REM periods occur less frequently, with a longer time to reach the first REM phase. This pattern reflects age-related changes in the brain systems that regulate REM and overall sleep regulation. Because REM sleep supports memory consolidation and mood, its reduction can contribute to daytime tiredness and cognitive changes. So the change that best describes aging is a decrease in REM sleep. The other patterns—more REM sleep, no change, or longer REM—don’t align with typical age-related sleep changes.