Sleep needs vary from person to person, depending on their age. As a person ages, they typically require less sleep to function properly.

• Adult (18–60 years): 7-plus hours

• Adult (61–64 years): 7–9 hours

• Adult (65+ years): 7–8 hours

As well as the number of hours, the quality of sleep is also important. Signs of poor sleep quality include:

• Waking in the middle of the night.

• Still not feeling rested after an adequate number of hours of sleep.

Some things a person can do to improve sleep quality are:

• Avoiding sleeping in when you have had enough sleep.

• Going to bed around the same time each night.

• Spending more time outside and being more active during the day.

• Reducing stress through exercise, therapy, or other means.

*Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day.Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration.*