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Sleep myths: test what you know

Do older people need less sleep? Does a nightcap help? Ten quick questions about sleep, checked against CDC, NIH and doctors' guidelines.

Just for reflection and learning — not a test or a diagnosis.

Common questions

How much sleep do older adults need?

The CDC recommends 7 to 8 hours a night for adults 65 and older. Sleep often gets lighter with age, with more waking at night.

What is the best treatment for insomnia?

Doctors recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first treatment for long-term insomnia. Sleep medicines are meant for short-term use.

Does alcohol help you sleep?

No. It may make you drowsy at first, but it can wake you up later in the night.