Its a myth- new study shows older people do not need less sleep

New Australian research has smashed the myth that older people need less sleep.

Professor Julie Byles from Newcastle University studied the patterns of more than 7,000 men and women aged between 73 and 78 in the ground breaking research.

"Commonly people thought that as you got older you didn't need as much sleep," Professor Byles said.

"So if you had sleeping difficulties when you were older it's just old age but in fact this may actually be affecting people's quality of life.

"While women were taking a long time to get to sleep, worry maybe keeping them awake, having a bad night's sleep."

"Men were falling asleep but then having to wake up quite often during the night."

The research revealed that problem sleeping patterns could be indicative of underlying health issues.

"Maybe they've been smokers and they've developed a bit of emphysema or bronchitis," said Professor Byles.

"This is going to keep you awake at night because you'll have problems with your breathing and you might wake up because you're coughing and, of course, those problems are associated with less longevity."

Its a myth- new study shows older people do not need less sleep

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