Sleep may be even more important for your physical and mental health as you grow older. Review your basic daily habits so you can make positive changes. Try these ideas:

1. Darken your bedroom. Shutting out bright lights helps your brain to become drowsy. Turn off the TV at least one hour before bed and use night lights if you get up to use      the bathroom.
2. Block out noise. As you age, you may become more sensitive to noise, as well as light. Use a fan or white noise machine to mask car stereos and garbage trucks.
3. Try naps. Changing hormone levels reduce the time that seniors spend in the most restful stages of deep sleep. You may be able to compensate by going to bed earlier or      taking daytime naps. Remember that brief naps early in the day are less likely to interfere with your overnight slumber.
4. Eat light. Losing excess weight and eating a diet rich in whole foods will enhance your sleep and overall fitness. Enjoy a small bedtime snack if it helps you sleep but avoid      anything spicy or high in fat.
5. Limit alcohol. Substances like alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine disrupt sleep, and aging bodies are more sensitive to the effects. If you want a nightcap, drink plain water or      herbal tea.
6. Rest and relax. Brooding about insomnia can make you too anxious to sleep. If you’re tossing and turning, try meditating or slowly counting down from 100.