Sleep should be considered a vital sign of health.  Sleep is important for maintaining and restoring health, for both body and brain. Sleep and dreaming are necessary for learning and memory, and to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and immune function.   Overall, the sleep quality of healthy older adults remains relatively constant unless there is an illness.  Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your loved one's sleep patterns. 

Sleep problems can be the cause, effect, or complication of illnesses, mental disorders, and accidents.  The quality of your loved one's cycle of sleep and wakefulness can be a sign of health or illness.  If you are concerned about the quality of your loved one's sleep, because of difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, not feeling rested upon awakening, or feeling sleepy or fatigued during the day, talk to a doctor.  Be sure to tell the doctor how long the problems have been going on.  It is important to know the length of the symptoms for diagnosis and treatment.  The providing doctor may discuss your loved one's individual sleep habits and needs, and suggest changes in habits and environment.  The treatment of a sleep disorder can help improve quality of life physically and mentally.