This Is How Much Sleep You Really Need When You’re Older
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-935373500-09bfb3180b50413289673a6b4c25c5e1.jpg)
Justin Paget / Getty Images
Key Takeaways
-
Older adults still need 7–9 hours of sleep per night, similar to younger adults, but their sleep often becomes lighter and more fragmented.
-
Poor sleep in older adults is linked to increased risks of cognitive decline, depression, and poorer cardiometabolic health.
-
Maintaining good sleep hygiene—including consistent sleep schedules, a calming bedtime routine, and limiting caffeine and alcohol—can significantly improve sleep quality for older adults.
Sleep is vitally important at all ages, but a myth persists: older adults simply need less sleep.
Article submitted to MSRN by Pat France, Retired MSRN Volunteer