Renuka Sharma Renuka Sharma Asked 4 months ago

Do older people need more sleep?

My uncle, who is in his late 70s, seems constantly tired and often sleeps throughout the day, besides his night sleep. I thought older people sleep less, but he seems to need so much. Do older people sometimes need more sleep, or could this be a sign of something else?

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8 answers

Ramesh Chandra Ramesh Chandra Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago
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Elders don't need extra sleep, but their bodies tire easily, so they nap more. Drinking warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg before bed helps them get a deeper, more peaceful sleep at night so they feel less tired during the day.

Shalini Mehta Shalini Mehta Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

The sleep requirement for older adults remains around 7 to 8 hours, which is the same as younger adults. However, if an elderly family member is suddenly sleeping excessively, it is best to consult their doctor to rule out medication side effects or neurological concerns.

K. Srinivasan K. Srinivasan Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

They don't need more sleep, but medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can cause them to feel exhausted. Regular BP checks and a light evening routine can help them get good quality rest without needing to sleep all day.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Dilip Ghosh Dilip Ghosh Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

My 80-year-old grandmother sleeps for about 7 hours in total, including her afternoon nap. She seems to be quite active and happy with this routine, so it really varies from person to person.

Aman Verma Aman Verma Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

No, they don't need more sleep. Their sleep need is generally the same 7-8 hours as any other adult.

Javed Khan Javed Khan Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Their sleep requirement doesn't increase, but their sleep structure changes, leading to more daytime napping. If they are sleeping a lot more than usual, it's highly recommended to review their current prescriptions with their doctor, as some medications cause sedation.

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Priyanka Sharma Priyanka Sharma Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

It can be really scary to see your elderly parents sleeping too much or looking constantly tired. I used to worry endlessly about my mother's health when she started napping a lot. Just be gentle with them and ensure they are comfortable.

Meera Patel Meera Patel Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

They don't need extra sleep, but sometimes low energy due to a lack of proper nutrition makes them sleepy. Giving them light, nutrient-dense vegetarian meals like dal khichdi can keep their energy levels stable throughout the day.

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