My father, now in his early 60's, is having a hard time sleeping at night. He usually wakes up really early, around 3 in the morning. Is this normal and is there anything we can do to help him? Thanks.

I think that’s a common problem, but seven to nine hours of sleep is needed for people in their senior years. Perhaps a glass of milk can help not just for sleeping but for the bones as well.

Though studies show most sleep problems are not related to aging, sometimes medical or emotional conditions linked to getting older can interfere with sleep. Indeed, the National Sleep Foundation reports older adults with four or more health problems are 80% likely to report sleep problems, compared with 53% who report better health. In addition, aging also affects sleep-wake pattern, causing to feel sleepy earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning – even if typically a "night person" before. Getting enough sleep is particularly important after 50 since a lack can increase the risk of memory problems and depression.

These sleeping problems can be linked to a medical condition, like what HealthWealth said. Did your father consult his doctor already?

The normal sleep-wake pattern is affected in aging, so that older people tend to sleep early and wake up early. But it’s really important to get more sleep as we age so as to minimize memory problems and depression. A dark environment with minimal distractions can help maintain sleep for your dad.

For sleeping problems, try to have a regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. Stress can cause sleeping problem and take a time to relax and avoid drinking alcohol.

It’s better to have an exercise before sleeping. I had difficulty of trying to sleep at night. When I’ve tried to exercise before sleeping, it really helps me sleep at night.

What supplement can we use to eliminate sleeping problems?

Old people always say that drink a glass of warm milk would help us sleep. If you have chronic sleepless night, I guess you need to see a doctor so that they could give you proper medications.

That’s not effective anymore. I had hard time sleeping before. I took artichoke tea every night before going to sleep. Since then, I have no more sleeping problems.

Mango, I started to take artichoke tea last month and it really works for me. In fact it also help me in losing weight.