Why Aging Is Destroying Your Sleep (And How To Wake Up Refreshed)
Reduced Deep Sleep: Deep sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and rested. Unfortunately, as we age, the amount of deep sleep we get tends to decrease.
Medical Conditions and Medications: Many health conditions that become more common with age, like sleep apnea or chronic pain, can disrupt sleep. Additionally, some medications can interfere with sleep quality.
However, there’s a positive side:
Need for the Same Amount of Sleep: The good news is that adults of all ages generally need the same total amount of sleep, around 7-8 hours per night.
We Can Improve Sleep: Even with these age-related challenges, there are ways to improve sleep hygiene and get a better night’s rest. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and getting regular exercise (but not too close to bedtime).
So, while aging might throw some curveballs at our sleep, it doesn’t have to be a guaranteed recipe for sleeplessness. By understanding these changes and taking steps to improve sleep habits, we can still get the quality sleep we need as we get older.