text: do you really need less sleep as you get older or do you just sleep less!? i'm 57 (no this isn't just a site for the under 20's!) and for the past couple of years have got by on about 6 hours - sometimes 5 and a half hour's sleep a night.  i don't usually feel tired the next day so does my body ensure i always get the sleep i need and no more?  if i keep trying to go back to sleep - i often end up feeling less refreshed and more groggy.  anyone with similar experiences? you body does not ensure that you get enough sleep. getting enough sleep is up to you.  if you are having trouble sleeping which you indicated you are then you need to mention this to your doctor the next time you have to see him or at your annual physical.  you need just as much sleep as you get older.  trouble with sleeping is something you need to discuss with your doc when you see him.