As we grow older we seem to require less sleep; we think so and everyone else does too! Is it true or is it yet another Urban Myth? Amongst researchers and the medical fraternity, the general consensus seems to be that we do not require less sleep, but are no longer able to have loooong sleep-filled nights … the good old 8 hours straight is a thing of the past.

We become adept at shorter bursts of sleep and although we still need 8 hours (or whatever your body demands), we take it over shorter periods. For example, you may develop a pattern of sleeping from 01.00 to 05.00, getting up and working or doing something that occupies your mind, and then going back to sleep after a couple of hours of activity.

Most sleep doctors would describe the above as being unsuitable. But if it works for you, why is it unsuitable?! Of course, if you work or have daily commitments and a specific hour of the day to be up and running, on the spot then yes, it is highly unsuitable.

There may be a big change in sleep patterns when women hit 50 (more or less); menopause and swinging hormones can make sleep disturbances more common.

Our sleep becomes lighter as we age; maybe or maybe not. It isn’t an ‘across the board’ occurrence.

Hot sweats aren’t just reserved for menopause and are distressing at any age. They can interrupt your sleep badly and you may also find you wake yourself with a jolt because you’re snoring …

• If you have a health condition making it difficult to sleep, visit your doctor or, even better, find a herbalist or homoeopath. Try herbal or homoeopathic remedies and diet. Focus on the management of any underlying issues or conditions
• Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Don’t drink coffee later than the early afternoon and avoid excess alcohol, it’s a stimulant, It will only put you to sleep if you are seriously drunk!
• Create a sleep schedule … and stick to it
• Taking a daily nap may make nighttime sleeping even harder
• Keep a journal and write in it regularly. Putting your daily irritations or perceived problems down will help you move on
• Do NOT exercise within four hours of your bed-time. In this instance, sex doesn’t count as exercise
• Meditate or practise some relaxation exercises; breathing is good..
• Get rid of the clock. It can make you feel anxious and time-pressured
• Bed is for sleep and sex. It is not for eating or watching TV; don’t confuse your brain!

And if you really cannot sleep, get out of bed, read something incredibly boring, and go back to bed when you start to feel drowsy. This article will give you 10 almost-new-ideas of what you can do if you’re feeling wide-awake!

You will start to feel stress and anxiety because you can’t sleep and because you’re worrying about how tired you will be tomorrow …