American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Exam. Practice with questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Ensure your readiness for the big day!

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Which of the following is most characteristic of sleep changes in the elderly?

Increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep only
Increased slow-wave sleep only
Decreased REM and slow-wave sleep
Decreased slow-wave sleep only

The correct answer is: Decreased REM and slow-wave sleep

In the elderly, sleep architecture undergoes significant changes due to natural aging processes. It is well-documented that both REM sleep and slow-wave sleep, which are crucial for restorative sleep, tend to decrease with age. Slow-wave sleep, often referred to as deep sleep, is the stage of sleep associated with physical restoration and immune function. As individuals age, the proportion of time spent in this stage diminishes, leading to a lighter sleep that does not provide the same restorative properties. Similarly, REM sleep, important for cognitive functions such as memory consolidation and emotional regulation, also decreases in duration and intensity in older adults. This reduction in both REM and slow-wave sleep contributes to the overall decline in sleep quality that many elderly individuals experience. Recognizing this overarching decline in both types of sleep helps clinicians understand the factors contributing to sleep disturbances in older adults and initiate appropriate interventions, if necessary, guided by the understanding of these typical aging-related patterns.