Why do elderly people feel anxious and unable to sleep at night, and what should be done about it?
Nov 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, if elderly individuals feel anxious and are unable to sleep at night, it may be due to altered sleep rhythms, excessive psychological stress, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, coronary heart disease, or other causes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general measures, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoid overeating at dinner, and refrain from drinking strong tea or coffee before bedtime.
Generally, when elderly individuals feel anxious and cannot sleep at night, it may be due to changes in sleep rhythm, excessive psychological stress, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, coronary heart disease, or other causes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general interventions, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Altered Sleep Rhythm: As brain function declines with age, older adults often experience shortened sleep cycles, early morning awakening, and difficulty falling asleep. Being awake at night can easily trigger feelings of anxiety. Limit daytime naps to no more than 30 minutes, take a 30-minute walk in the evening, dim the lights and maintain a quiet bedroom environment before bedtime, and soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes to promote sleep.
2. Excessive Psychological Concerns: Elderly people often overthink issues such as their children's well-being and their own health, leading to emotional tension and insomnia. Family members should spend more time accompanying and communicating with them, patiently listen to their concerns, and help resolve practical problems. Seniors can also write down thoughts in a journal to organize their minds and avoid pondering complex matters before bedtime.
3. Neurasthenia: Prolonged mental stress or feelings of loneliness in the elderly may lead to neurasthenia, characterized by irritability, insomnia, and memory decline. Follow medical advice to use medications such as Oryzanol tablets, Vitamin B1 tablets, or Anshen Bunao Liquid. Engaging in daily activities like chess or tai chi can also help divert attention.
4. Anxiety Disorder: Older adults are prone to anxiety disorders due to environmental changes or worries about illness. Persistent anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances accompanied by palpitations and sweating. Use medications such as Sertraline Hydrochloride tablets, Paroxetine tablets, or Lorazepam tablets as prescribed, along with psychological counseling to relieve emotional distress.
5. Coronary Heart Disease: When myocardial blood supply is insufficient, elderly individuals may experience chest tightness and palpitations at night, causing anxiety and difficulty falling asleep. Take medications such as Nitroglycerin tablets, enteric-coated Aspirin tablets, or Simvastatin tablets as directed by a physician. In severe cases, coronary stent implantation may be performed to expand blood vessels and improve myocardial perfusion.
Maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoid overeating at dinner, and refrain from drinking strong tea or coffee before bedtime. Family members can assist the elderly in establishing regular daily routines, stay nearby during the night whenever possible, provide a sense of security, and help improve sleep quality.
