Do old people need less sleep?

Question

My parents, who are in their late 60s, often complain about not being able to sleep much at night. They seem to function fine with fewer hours of sleep. Is it true that old people naturally need less sleep than younger adults?

Vijay Prasad · Accepted Answer

I can share what I see with my father, who is 75. He only sleeps for about 5 to 6 hours at night, but then he takes short naps during the day to feel fresh. It seems like their sleep pattern just changes as they age.

Savitri Rao · Answer

Please don't assume that sleeping less is always normal for elders. My mother's sudden lack of sleep was actually due to severe pain and high blood pressure, which we ignored thinking it's just old age. Please get a proper medical checkup if an elderly person in your house is struggling to sleep.

Madhavan Nair · Answer

As someone managing high blood pressure, I know how crucial sleep is for elders. While their sleep cycle might naturally get shorter, getting less than 6 hours can affect their BP and heart health. Regular checkups and light evening walks can help them get deeper, better quality rest.

Ritu Kapoor · Answer

My grandmother barely sleeps for 5 hours and it makes me so worried about her health. I keep thinking what if it affects her heart or memory in the long run? If anyone has tips on how to safely help elders sleep better, please do share, it is very stressful to watch.

Baldev Singh · Answer

They actually need the same 7-8 hours of rest, but they find it harder to sleep continuously. What worked for my elderly uncle was reducing daytime nap times to just 20 minutes and cutting tea after 4 PM. Also, keeping a fixed bedtime helped him get much better sleep at night.

Do old people need less sleep?

5 answers

Consult a internal medicine specialist

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