Home LivingWellnessSleepShould your sleep style change as you age? Sleep expert recommends it for optimal healthHow important is it to change your sleep style, from your 20s and 30s to your 70s and 80sWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessSleepShould your sleep style change as you age? Sleep expert recommends it for optimal healthHow important is it to change your sleep style, from your 20s and 30s to your 70s and 80sWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
How important is it to change your sleep style, from your 20s and 30s to your 70s and 80s
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: iam_os / Unsplash)
(Image credit: iam_os / Unsplash)
Regardless of how old you are, sleep should always be a priority. But as we age from our 20s and 30s up to our 70s and 80s, how important is it to change our sleeping style?
There’s always been a point of contention over how many hours of sleep you need to get the right amount of rest and feel refreshed in the morning. Research has shown thatseven hours sleep is best for people over 35, whereas other studies have found that over eight hours of sleep is better for younger people to help with brain function.
This begs the question: as we age, should we be changing our sleep style? To find out more, I spoke to James Higgins, sleep expert and CEO ofEthical Beddingwho said that “understanding the evolution of our sleep needs as we age is vital for maintaining optimal health, as each decade brings its unique set of challenges that affect sleep.”
Below, Higgins explains how you should sleep at each age of your life, from your 20s to your 80s. P.S. Throughout all ages and stages of your life, make sure you have thebest mattressto accompany you.
How should you sleep in your 20s?
How should you sleep in your 30s and 40s?
Getting a good night’s sleep is important in your 30s and 40s, as these ages are typically the time where many people will be starting or maintaining a family while balancing careers. This can lead to increased stress which impacts your sleep quality. For new mothers and parents, Higgins suggests that “side sleeping can be more comfortable as it helps alleviate back pain and pressure on the spine, which are common postpartum discomforts. A bamboo mattress with more than 2,000 pocket springs will respond independently to the body’s movements, for example.”
Higgins goes on to say that: “Entering our 40s, the changes in our sleep become more apparent. Sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented, a result of ageing and reduced sleep-inducing hormones… Back sleeping can assist in maintaining spine alignment, and a hybrid mattress can provide the needed support.” Higgins also suggests adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise to offset age-related changes to your sleep.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Slappwijsheid / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Slappwijsheid / Unsplash)
How should you sleep in your 50s and 60s?
The middle stage of life is met with significant changes in sleep quality and quantity, mainly due to the ageing process and menopause. As Higgins says, “In our 50s, hormonal changes significantly impact sleep. Using menopause as an example, we know that these changes can disrupt the body’s internal thermostat, leading to night sweats and hot flashes. Managing temperature fluctuations is key, so consider breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear and bedding.”
In addition to comfortable nightwear, Higgins also suggests prioritising side or back sleeping and investing in products that can help support you and improve your chance of sleeping through the night. He suggests buying extrapillows, investing in a bed that can be adjusted to help with snoring or acid reflux and using blackout curtains.
How should you sleep in your 70s and 80s?
For the later stages in your life, Higgins recommends speaking to a healthcare professional about any sleep issues. But in general, he suggests that people in their 70s and 80s should maintain physical activity and a consistent sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, Higgins says it’s important to “create an environment conducive to sleep, such as softer mattresses for better support. Ensuring the bedroom is safe and easy to navigate, is key… exploring options like adjustable beds and specialised mattresses to cater to specific health needs, such as arthritis or chronic pain, can also be beneficial.”
Today’s best Mattresses deals$139View$199$159View$178.60ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mattresses deals$139View$199$159View$178.60ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mattresses deals
$139View$199$159View$178.60View
$139View
$139View
$139View
$139
$139
$199$159View
$199$159View
$199$159View
$199$159
$159
$178.60View
$178.60View
$178.60View
$178.60
$178.60
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Sky Stream gets a great new trick that unlocks long hidden potentialA Sky Stream puck update gives you a host of new channels
A Sky Stream puck update gives you a host of new channels
If you ever needed proof that cassette players are back, this is itWe Are Rewind has made a portable tape deck so retro it should appear from nowhere in a DeLorean
We Are Rewind has made a portable tape deck so retro it should appear from nowhere in a DeLorean
Hatch’s latest sunrise alarm clock finally has a phone-free design – and I’m obsessedHatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
Hatch launches the Restore 3 wake-up light and it could drastically improve your mornings
This ERA mattress topper can turn your mattress into a smart sleep tracking deviceThe ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
The ERA Smart Layer is my favourite wellness product from CES 2025
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scannerWithings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
6 gadgets to get you through Dry JanuaryWith Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
With Christmas and New Year out of the way, we take a look at some of the best gadgets to use for Dry January
This pillow flip sleep hack can help you beat Christmas insomnia – and it takes secondsIf you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
If you love the cold side of the pillow, you’ll love this quick sleep hack
Therabody SleepMask review: soothing vibrations that send you to sleepTherabody’s new SleepMask promises a good night’s sleep – but does it work?
Therabody’s new SleepMask promises a good night’s sleep – but does it work?
I spent 24 hours with the new Loop Switch 2 earplugs – here’s my honest takeFrom fun to focus to calm…I tried them in every scenario
From fun to focus to calm…I tried them in every scenario
Sleep expert reveals why you should never nap for longer than 10 minutesThe answer will shock you
The answer will shock you
