Sleep & Aging

Many older adults find that sleep doesn’t come as easily as it used to. You might wake up during the night, rise earlier than you’d like, or feel less refreshed in the morning. While occasional restless nights are normal, chronic sleep problems can affect everything from mood and memory to blood pressure and immune function.

Sleep needs don’t decrease as we age—we still need around 7–9 hours per night. What does change is how our sleep is structured. You may spend less time in deep sleep or feel more sensitive to light and noise.

Common causes of poor sleep include:

• Changes in circadian rhythms
• Medications or caffeine
• Chronic pain or arthritis
• Anxiety or depression
• Sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome

Fortunately, small changes in your bedtime routine can have a big impact. Creating a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and making your room quiet and cool can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

If you regularly have trouble sleeping or feel exhausted during the day, talk to your doctor. Sleep is a pillar of health—don’t let poor rest go untreated.