Home > Geriatrics > How Does Age Affect Sleep? Get the Flash Player to see this player. Rate: (Click the stars to rate) Published on Oct 03, 2008 by ESchneider, Views: 6155 As you age your sleep patterns change. Dr. Edward Schneider, a noted geriatric physician from USC, discusses. With aging it is harder to fall asleep, you wake up more frequently, and it is harder to get back to sleep. This can affect your immune system, you may become depressed, and more prone to accidents. I used to be the world's best sleeper but now I find that I do not sleep as well. I have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. I am trying hypnosis tapes as well as meditation to get more sleep. Nadia 10.5 years ago