Myth: You Need Less Sleep As You Age October 24, 2025 Myth: You Need Less Sleep As You Age It’s a common belief that the older you get, the less sleep you need. But that’s simply not true. Older adults actually need about the same amount of sleep as everyone else — around seven to nine hours a night.1 What often changes with age isn’t the need for sleep, but the pattern of sleep. Many older people tend to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier than they did in their younger years.2 Getting enough rest each night is vital for staying healthy, alert, and emotionally balanced. Unfortunately, many older adults struggle to sleep well. If you often feel sleepy during the day or find it difficult to get enough rest at night, it might be time to talk with your doctor. Why Sleep Matters at Every Age Sleep is essential for nearly every part of your body. From your brain and heart to your lungs and immune system, a good night’s sleep helps everything function smoothly. It sharpens memory, improves mood, enhances creativity, and keeps your reflexes quick.1 On the flip side, not getting enough sleep over time can take a toll on your health. Research shows that chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.1 Poor sleep can also lead to problems with memory, irritability, and even relationship stress.1 In older adults, it may also increase the risk of falls or accidents.1 How Ageing Affects Sleep As we age, our sleep tends to become lighter and more fragmented.2 It’s common to wake up several times a night or to have shorter total sleep time.2 This happens partly because of natural changes in the body’s internal clock — the circadian rhythm — which shifts earlier with age.2 Hormone levels such as melatonin also decline, making it harder to stay asleep.2 Health conditions, pain, and medications can also play a role. Many older adults experience sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep), or restless legs syndrome, all of which can make restful sleep harder to achieve.2 Better Sleep Habits for Older Adults The good news is that better sleep is possible at any age. Here are a few simple tips to help:1,2 Stick to a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual: A warm bath, gentle music, or reading can help you wind down. Keep your room cool and dark: Make your sleep space comfortable and free from distractions. Limit caffeine and alcohol: Avoid them in the afternoon and evening. Exercise regularly: Gentle activity during the day can help you sleep more soundly at night. When to Seek Help If you’re frequently tired, wake up unrefreshed, or suspect a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Sleep is not a luxury — it’s a vital part of healthy ageing. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. With the right habits and support, you can enjoy restful nights and more energised days. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References 1. National Institute on Aging. “Sleep and Older Adults.” National Institute on Aging, 6 Feb. 2025, www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/sleep-and-older-adults. 2. Newsom, Rob, and John DeBanto. “Aging and Sleep: How Does Growing Old Affect Sleep?” Sleep Foundation, 18 Mar. 2022, www.sleepfoundation.org/aging-and-sleep.
