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Here's Exactly How Much Sleep To Get Each Night if You're Over 60, According to Experts
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Consistently getting 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial for adults aged 60 and older to support brain health, mood, immune function, and reduce risks of cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
- Aging naturally shifts circadian rhythms, causing older adults to wake earlier, feel sleepy earlier in the evening, and often take afternoon naps, which aligns with the body's internal clock despite cultural expectations.
- Sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented with age, leading to more frequent awakenings at night; however, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and good sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality.
- Chronic sleep problems in older adults, such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, are not inevitable and should be addressed with healthcare providers, as many sleep disorders are treatable.
- Prioritizing sleep in older age, alongside other healthy lifestyle behaviors like exercise and social engagement, is one of the best investments for maintaining cognitive function and overall health.
