How does stage N3 sleep change as we age?

Stage N3 sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep or deep sleep, is characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency brain waves. This stage is crucial for various restorative processes, including physical recovery, memory consolidation, and the overall maintenance of health. As individuals age, several physiological changes occur that impact the architecture of sleep.

Research indicates that as people get older, there is a decline in the amount of time spent in N3 sleep. This reduction can be attributed to changes in the brain, hormonal shifts, and alterations in sleep patterns. Older adults often experience lighter sleep and more frequent awakenings throughout the night, leading to a decrease in the duration and quality of N3 sleep. It becomes more challenging for them to reach and maintain the deeper stages of sleep, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue and reduced cognitive function during waking hours.

Therefore, stating that N3 sleep becomes less as we age accurately reflects the general findings in sleep research, underscoring the importance of understanding these changes for promoting better sleep hygiene and addressing sleep disturbances in older adults.