How Much Sleep Do Seniors Need?

As we age, our sleep needs change. You may not remember the many naps you took as a baby and toddler, but perhaps you recall waking up early in your childhood, full of energy for the day ahead? As a teenager, did your parents ever have to drag you out of bed? In your early adulthood, did you ever function on less sleep in order to accommodate a busy school schedule or long work hours? Some of these sleep changes are an inevitable byproduct of life changes, but others are related to the body's needs. For example, babies obviously need more sleep than adults. So, you might wonder, how much sleep do seniors need?

How Much Sleep Do Seniors Need?

How much sleep do seniors for good health and optimum energy? People are unique, but in general, older adults need a similar amount of sleep to younger adults: about seven to nine hours per night. Amongst seniors, it's more common to go to sleep earlier in the night and wake up earlier in the morning. Some seniors also enjoy taking a mid-day nap – a perk of retirement!

Unfortunately, many seniors struggle to get enough sleep each night. This is typically not a choice but a frustrating reality, as many seniors have trouble falling asleep. Other seniors struggle to sleep deeply and may wake up throughout the night. However, this doesn't mean that poor sleep is a normal part of aging. Although sleeping patterns often change with age, sleeping problems are not inevitable and should be addressed ASAP. If you've been struggling to get some shut-eye, contact your doctor or a sleep specialist.

Sleep Disorders Common Amongst Seniors

Research suggests that 40 to 70 percent of older adults suffer from some type of sleep problem. Many seniors who struggle with sleep aren't aware that they actually suffer from a sleep disorder. There are three common types of sleeping disorders amongst seniors:

• Insomnia: Almost half of adults over the age of 60 suffer from insomnia, which is described as having one or more of the following symptoms: (1) taking a long time to fall asleep, (2) waking up throughout the night, (3) waking up early and being unable to fall back asleep, and (4) feeling tired after waking up. Insomnia can be caused by many things, including heartburn, arthritis, menopause, dementia, certain medications, and waking to use the bathroom.
• Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders: The two most common forms of breathing-related sleep disorders are snoring (caused by a partial blockage of the airway) and sleep apnea (characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep). For those who suffer from severe snoring or sleep apnea, it can be very difficult to get a good night's sleep.
• Movement-Related Sleep Disorders: It's hard to fall asleep when you're moving, so disorders like restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, or PLMD, are sometimes to blame for poor sleep in adulthood.

Fortunately, treatments are available for all of these sleep disorders. Work with your doctor to find a treatment that works for you.

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So, how much sleep do seniors need? Like younger adults, seniors should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. If you frequently struggle to get high-quality sleep, talk to your doctor for help.

Sweet dreams!

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