This Is How Much Sleep You Really Need When You’re Older

By John Loeppky
Published on October 02, 2024
 Fact checked by Nick Blackmer
An older man sleeping with his dog
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.

Continue Reading:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-older-adults-need-less-sleep-8720736?hid=0ca66fe91ff78d6c7007974a6522806eea6acf6b&did=16090754-20250113&utm_source=verywellhealth&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellhealth-today-newsletter&utm_content=011325&lctg=0ca66fe91ff78d6c7007974a6522806eea6acf6b&lr_input=9c5e90311a09419ba4a19b50a7cf8c37e57918a879b186daddd071a8fa881c66&utm_term=PM

 

Article submitted to MSRN by Pat France, Retired MSRN Volunteer