
Sleep is essential for health, especially as we age. Many things can interfere with the sleep patterns of an adult. According to Sleephealth.org, "It is estimated that sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes." Sleeping is the time to rest and rejuvenate as the mind and body recover from a long hectic day. Studies have shown that older adults need to sleep for eight hours as sufficient sleep contributes to many facets of health and wellness.
Our bodies undergo several changes as we age, such as producing lower levels of hormones. As a result, we experience a reduction in slow-wave or deep sleep. When the body experiences this, it will produce melatonin, which means continuously experiencing difficulty sleeping, and waking up often during the night. Therefore, it is increasingly important as we age to ensure we get sufficient sleep.