As we get older, our sleep habits may change, but one thing remains the same – getting a good night’s sleep is important. While there is no magic number when it comes to the hours of sleep needed, lack of sleep can have negative consequences to our health and be a symptom of health problems such as neurodegenerative diseases and unhealthy weight (and sleep apnea that accompany unhealthy weight).
How much sleep is optimal as you age?
Sleep duration and quality decrease with age and on average, older adults get about 7 hours or less of sleep each night. This is slightly less than the 7-8 hours averaged in young adulthood and middle age. There is a large degree of variability in these estimates, though, and many people 'normally' sleep as little as 5 and as long as 9 hours per night.
How does lack of sleep affect our health?
There is scientific evidence that sleep duration does have links to overall health. While sleeping patterns are unique to everyone, disturbed sleep patterns and/or sleep disorders can also be a symptom of health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases, unhealthy weight and associated sleep apnea, and side effects from medication. In general, minor sleep disruption does not require further evaluation. However, if your sleeping patterns are significantly disrupting your quality of life, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
What non-drug strategies exist?
Music is emerging as a potentially promising non-drug strategy that may enhance sleep quality. A variety of free music made to intentionally relax you is available online through platforms like YouTube to help you get started. Try out various songs, sounds, or musical mixes and see what works for you. Before getting started, consult your healthcare team for tips on how to incorporate and execute this strategy safely at home.
To learn more about what the research says about sleep and how it affects your health, read through our featured resources below.
