Dear Suze Q. I’m in my 70s, healthy and alert. Not fit for tennis but still walking my 5,000 steps. Was it suppose to be more? I have recent trouble falling asleep. Why?
Dear Sleepless, As we age, our circadian rhythms shift forward in time (called phase advance), where you may experience tiredness early in the p.m. and wake earlier in the a.m. Avoid napping late in the day that can interfere with nighttime sleep. It’s a myth that you need less sleep as you age; all adults should aim for at least 7 hours. With age, the body secretes less melatonin (normally produced in response to darkness to aid slumber). Sleep tips: You know them already -exercise, avoid drinking and eating 4/hrs before bed, relax immediately before sleep like read/bathe/sex. For safety, keep a phone and light near the bed, with no clutter between you and the bathroom. -SQ
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