Do we need less sleep as we get older?

[MichelleC69]

So I've been on HRT for about 8 months and it's been a godsend. The only thing it hasn't really helped with is my insomnia. I'm getting used to only getting about 5 hours a night if I'm lucky. I feel like I'm functioning ok but struggle sometimes. I know that my mum doesn't sleep much either. It's just led me to thinking whether we don't really need 7/8 hours as we get older? Doctor has given me Amitriptyline to take occasionally when I need it but it doesn't always work and I don't feel like this she's really addressing the problem.

The less sleep as we get older is a bit of a myth. Even people in their 80s and older are supposed to need almost as much sleep- minus an hour or so, (so maybe 7 not 8 hrs.)

Have you tried all the usuallifestyle things-

no caffeine after midday
no big meal at least 3 hrs before bed
no screen time an hour at least before bed
no strenuous exercise before bed
no alcohol
low r efined carbs /sugar as can cause blood sugar spikes

But...

put into your lifestyle
yoga
meditation
mindfulness ( eg Headspace app)
daily exercise
drinks like chamomile or valerian
sleep hygiene ( as above but also a dark room, no TV in bedroom etc)

What have you tried?

Yep have tried all or most of the above where possible. Considering hypnotherapy. Thanks for replying.