Eight hours of sleep every night is the rule of thumb that we all learned. But, as it turns out, it is perhaps not that simple. For one, our sleep needs change as we age. Our genetics can also influence our personal sleep needs, which can result in you needing slightly more or slightly less sleep than others. And just looking at sleep in terms of overall length isn’t necessarily the best indication, as a number of factors such as health, pain, anxiety, and others, can all negatively influence your ability to both fall asleep and stay asleep.
The average amount of sleep that someone requires declines a bit with age. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-8 hours of sleep per night for adults over the age of 65, compared to 7-9 hours for younger adults. But at the same time, averages don’t reveal much about individuals, so don’t be surprised or find yourself worrying if you’re sleeping just as much as you used to, or even find yourself taking a little extra time.
Many older adults begin going to bed earlier, and waking earlier as well. This can necessitate changing your schedule a bit, but also afford opportunities such as sunrise walks with your friends or dog, or allow you time in the morning to perform tasks like gardening or shopping before the heat of the afternoon sets in.
Solving sleep problems can be challenging. Using medication can increase risk of addiction, falls, and car accidents. Drugs stay in the body longer as we age, meaning use of them can lead to groggy mornings. Lifestyle changes such as eliminating caffeine and getting enough exercise can be far more effective for ensuring good sleep.