Is it normal to need naps as you get older?
Needing a nap sometimes is common as you get older, but aging doesn’t automatically mean you need more sleep. If the sleepiness is new, persistent, or interfering with your day, it’s worth checking into.
A nap now and then is nothing unusual. Sleep can get lighter or more broken with age, so you may feel like catching up during the day. Many older adults still need about the same total amount of sleep as they did before, though, and some don’t nap at all.
A short nap can be refreshing; long or late-day naps may make it harder to sleep at night. If you’ve suddenly started needing lots of naps, feel very sleepy despite sleeping enough, or it’s affecting your daily life, mention it to a healthcare professional—sleep quality, medications, and other health issues can play a part.