Claire Rayner, the nation’s favourite agony aunt is a self-confessed cat napper. "I can nod off at the drop of a hat," says Claire. "Being driven, which I often am now, sends me in to a delicious snooze. But then the same is true of trains and my lovely sofa in the evenings!"

Claire’s unscheduled snoozes are typical of the change in sleeping patterns experienced by many older people. They differ from the sleep of a younger person in the following ways:

• The older adult experiences numerous brief arousals in the night.
• There is a loss of deepest levels of non-REM sleep.
• There is more daytime napping.
• There is less of a drop in body temperature during sleep for the elderly.
• They prefer earlier bedtimes and earlier wake-up.

Says Claire: "There are all sorts of ways in which we can help ourselves to a better night’s sleep- all of them really based on good old-fashioned common sense. Mostly it’s just a case of adjusting your daily routine as sleeping patterns change – and trying to limit the cat naps!"

• Exercise: 20 – 30 minutes at least three days a week is ideal. A brisk walk will do – but not too close to bedtime.
• Limit naps: Taking long afternoon naps can interfere with night-time sleep patterns. If you need a nap, don’t take longer than 30 minutes.
• Get out in the fresh air: Studies show people who get adequate natural daylight tend to sleep better at night.
• Create a good sleep environment: Sleep in a cool, dark room on a comfortable, supportive mattress.
• Check medications: Some medications may cause daytime drowsiness while others may cause sleeplessness. Ask your doctor.
• Don’t worry about falling asleep: Stay relaxed. The more you worry, the less you’ll sleep.
• Avoid caffeine in the evening: Stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolates and coke make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try a warm milky drink instead.
• Watch how much you drink: Limit drinking liquids a few hours before bedtime to save being ‘up and down’ all night. And remember that while alcohol may initially help you to relax and sleep, it may keep you awake later in the night.
• Don’t go to bed stuffed or starved: A stomach that is either too full or too empty may cause physical discomfort, making it difficult to sleep through the night.
• Keep regular hours: Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Keeping to a routine helps your biological clock.