(HealthDayNews) -- Are you finding it harder to get the same quality sleep as you once did? It may be because the older you get, the tougher it is to fall into a deep sleep, says Harvard Medical School.
Even though the body's need for sleep doesn't diminish with age, starting at age 65 or earlier, most people find it more difficult getting into the deep stages of slow wave sleep (stages 3 and 4). By age 75, many people may not be able to get into stage 4 at all.
And since seniors spend proportionally more time in stage 1 sleep, they are more easily roused by noise in the environment.
Here are some techniques that may help you sleep:
- Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
- Avoid naps, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
- Make sure your sleeping area is dark and comfortable.
