How much sleep does a person need? Well, that all depends on the person. Some individuals can get by on only a few hours of sleep a night, others, like myself, need seven to nine hours each night. We all have what’s called an internal body clock, otherwise known as a circadian rhythm, which helps regulate our 24-hour cycle. These circadian rhythm disorders can be caused by many things, including: the type of shift you have at work, pregnancy, time zone changes associated with jet lag and travel, some medications, and even changes in routine.

There are some behavioral therapies that can aid with these things. For example there is relaxation training, cognitive therapy, stimulus control, sleep restriction therapy, and sleep hygiene. Did you know that aging plays a role in sleep? Have you ever noticed that older people don’t seem to sleep as much. I know my grandma doesn’t sleep nearly as much as she used to. She goes to bed at a decent hour, but gets up quite early.