You already know how difficult getting through the day can be when you haven’t slept well the night before. Everything just seems so much harder and your mood definitely takes a hit. There’s a scientific reason for this: Research shows that poor sleep causes measurable lapses in sustained attention, slowed reaction time and heightened mental fatigue. It also dampens positive emotions and heightens negative emotions.
The impact is even more devastating long-term when someone consistently doesn't get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep has been scientifically linked to raising the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders (such as type 2 diabetes and obesity) and cognitive decline.
Parade talked to sleep doctors about how sleep needs change with age and exactly how many hours of sleep people 60 and older should aim to get.
PSA: You are never too old to start prioritizing your health, and focusing on consistently getting enough sleep is a great place to start. “Sleep is one of the best investments we can make in our brain health,” says Dr. Natalie Dautovich, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences and who specializes in sleep research.
Related: This 3-Minute Habit Could Help You Sleep Through the Night
According to a scientific article published in the journal Sleep Medicine Clinics, longitudinal studies show that poor sleep is associated with higher rates of both cognitive decline and depression. It also increases the risk of disability in basic activities of daily living and the risk of falling.
How Much Sleep Adults 60 and Older Need
These guidelines were based on 133 different meta-analyses, taking into account 3,222 scientific studies. Researchers found that men and women need the same amount of sleep in each life stage, from childhood to old age. However, the recommended amount of sleep changes at certain points throughout one’s life. For example, newborns all the way through age 17 require more sleep than adults to support human development and growth.
Related: 13 Weird Ways Your Body Tells You That You Need More Sleep
Dr. Dautovich agrees, explaining that many older adults notice that they get sleepy earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning than they used to. “This change in sleep timing is primarily because our circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, naturally shifts earlier with age,” she says.
Dr. Ewen says that waking up earlier, sleeping fewer hours at night and having an afternoon nap is actually how our bodies have been designed to work, but the cultural demands of work get in the way of this. “Once we’re retired or the kids are grown, our bodies resume this natural rhythm. Most people report feeling fully or better rested than earlier in life," she adds.
Both experts say that there isn’t one ideal time that people 60 and older should wake up. What’s more important is that you wake up feeling well-rested. That said, Dr. Dautovich says that circadian rhythm loves regularity, so it’s best to go to bed and wake up at relatively the same time every day.
Remember, it’s never too late to improve your sleep. “Small habits, like keeping a regular sleep schedule, getting morning light, staying physically active and limiting bright light at night, can have meaningful benefits for your sleep and your overall health,” Dr. Dautovich says.
Up Next:
Related: I'm a Sleep Doctor—Here's Why Retirement Wrecks Your Sleep (and the 4 Things That Actually Help)
Sources
Alhola, P. and Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance.Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 3(5):553-567.Hyndych, A., El-Abassi, R. and Mader Jr., E. C. (2025). The Role of Sleep and the Effects of Sleep Loss on Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Processes. Cureus. 17(5):e84232.Sanjay Shah, A., Raj Pant, M., Bommasamudram, T., et al. (2025). Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review.American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. doi: 10.1177/15598276251346752.Dr. Natalie Dautovich, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences who specializes in sleep research.Dr. Heidi Ewen, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE, behavioral scientist, gerontologist and nursing associate professor at SUNY Binghamton’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences.Miner, B. and Kryger, M. H. (2018). Sleep in the Aging Population. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 12(1):31-38.National Sleep Foundation Reaffirms Landmark Sleep Duration Recommendations. National Sleep Foundation.Hence then, the article about here s exactly how much sleep to get each night if you re over 60 according to experts was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Here’s Exactly How Much Sleep To Get Each Night if You’re Over 60, According to Experts )
Also on site :