Disturbed sleep, waking up tired every day, and other symptoms of insomnia are not a normal part of aging. Instead, poor sleep habits and conditions such as untreated sleep disorders, medications, or medical problems can accumulate and compound to result in sleeplessness.

No matter what your age, getting the proper amount of sleep is essential to your physical health and emotional well-being. Experts disagree about whether you need less sleep as you age, or if it is just more difficult to get the sleep you need. Either way, many seniors complain about sleep problems such as:

• a desire to go to bed earlier
• difficulty falling asleep
• frequent waking during the night, and lighter sleep
• waking up early and not feeling rested
• being tired in the daytime
• needing naps during the day

To feel your best, you need a restful night of sleep, good nutrition, and exercise. You may be surprised at how good you feel when you get enough sleep.