Sleep is not just rest—it’s a nightly neural housekeeping. For older adults, preserving high-functioning memory, attention, and executive control depends in part on how well and how much one sleeps. In this article, we explore the science linking sleep to cognition, examine its relationship to dementia risk, and provide guidance for healthier sleep routines in later life.

Getting good sleep is one of the most powerful yet under-utilized habits for health, mood, memory, and overall wellbeing. As we age, changes in physiology, medications, and lifestyle can make sleep more elusive. But with the right environment, routine, and gentle adjustments, sleep health for seniors becomes much more attainable.