{"id":35335,"date":"2026-09-09T09:56:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T13:56:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legroupemaurice.com\/?p=35335"},"modified":"2026-09-04T10:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T14:05:20","slug":"sleeping-well-as-you-get-older-tips-and-healthy-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legroupemaurice.com\/en\/articles\/sleeping-well-as-you-get-older-tips-and-healthy-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleeping Well as You Get Older: Tips and Healthy Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Waking up feeling rested, with a clear mind and ready to enjoy your day, is one of the greatest joys of an active, balanced life. And even though sleep changes as we get older, it\u2019s still totally possible to sleep well as the years go by\u00a0\u2013\u00a0thanks to a few simple habits and a bedroom that helps you rest. Here\u2019s how to protect this precious part of your everyday well-being.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Why does sleep change as we age?<\/h2>\n

Throughout our lives, sleep varies with our habits, our needs and all the changes that come along\u00a0\u2013\u00a0including our health. As we get older, a lot of people notice their nights getting shorter and waking up more often. They might also start feeling tired earlier in the evening and waking up earlier in the morning.<\/p>\n

These changes are usually linked to shifts in our circadian rhythm<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0also known as the \u201csleep-wake cycle\u201d. According to the National Institute on Aging<\/a> (NIA), this internal body clock gradually changes as we get older, affecting when we naturally feel sleepy or ready to wake up.<\/p>\n

Hormonal changes play a big role too. Over time, the production and effects of certain sleep-related substances\u00a0\u2013\u00a0like melatonin and adenosine\u00a0\u2013\u00a0can decrease, which can interfere with our rest. The NIA also points out that deep sleep tends to decline, making people more sensitive to noise, light and other nighttime disturbances.<\/p>\n

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Sleeping Well: Tips for Older Adults<\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s true that our sleep changes as we get older, there are still plenty of ways to encourage more peaceful, restful nights. A lot of it comes down to building a set of everyday habits that, when added up, help keep your daily rhythm steady and enjoyable.<\/p>\n

That said, it\u2019s worth mentioning that this article isn\u2019t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you\u2019re having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, if it\u2019s starting to affect your quality of life, or if you\u2019re feeling worn out during the day no matter what, we really encourage you to reach out to a doctor or a sleep specialist.<\/p>\n

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Giving sleep the place it deserves<\/h3>\n

When it comes to rest, one question always seems to come up: how many hours of sleep do you really need as you get older? There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Canadian guidelines suggest that adults 65 and older should aim for about 7 to 8\u00a0hours a night<\/a>, whenever possible.<\/p>\n

Getting enough sleep really does help keep your energy levels up during the day, and it also plays a role in protecting your heart health. According to the Montreal Heart Institute<\/a>, getting good quality sleep in the right amounts can help lower the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and even stroke.<\/p>\n

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Sticking to a steady routine<\/h3>\n

For more peaceful nights, consistency is also a great asset<\/strong>. Getting up, eating meals and going to bed at the same times every day helps keep your internal clock stable<\/a> and makes it easier to fall asleep when evening rolls around. This habit is actually recommended in the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines<\/em> for adults aged 65 and older.<\/a><\/p>\n

Because yes, the body loves having a routine! And this kind of stability is actually easier to maintain in a structured living environment. In retirement residences, for example, activities, meals and relaxation time are usually built into a predictable schedule, which naturally helps support healthy sleep habits.<\/p>\n

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Creating a sleep-friendly environment<\/h3>\n

When our surroundings are set up to support our well-being<\/strong>, it\u2019s usually a lot easier to let go of the stress that\u2019s built up during the day and enjoy some truly restorative sleep. A number of things can help create that kind of atmosphere, especially in the bedroom:<\/p>\n