Sleeping pills are rarely the answer. Simple self-help steps and, if necessary, treatment by a sleep specialist can often remedy insomnia. In a National Institute on Aging study of more than 12,000 people aged 65 and older, over half of the men and women reported frequent trouble with sleeping. This finding confirms what you’ve already observed: with aging, it becomes harder to get to sleep and to stay asleep.

The consequences of chronic sleep disturbance are considerable. Daytime drowsiness, for example, may lead to falls and accidents. Frequent interruptions in breathing at night (sleep apnea) can strain the heart and lungs. It is therefore, important to discuss any unusual sleep problems with your physician rather than reaching for an over-the-counter sleep aid. Oftentimes, all that is needed to reduce sleeplessness is a change in behavior that can make it easier for you to sleep better and longer.

You need to accept that there may be a reduction in sleep quality, quantity and depth as they age. But if you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness - not just fatigue, but feeling so drowsy that you fall asleep inappropriately during the day - you should seek medical help.

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