Sleep Archive

In the last few years, the prescribing rate for zolpidem, a popular sleeping pill, has been declining in favor of the "off-label" use of an antidepressant called trazodone, which is known for its ability to make people drowsy. But doctors are concerned that trazodone hasn't been well studied for insomnia, it is not FDA-approved to treat the condition, and there are sparse data showing that it is safe or that it works for patients with insomnia. Experts advise choosing medications based on a patient's specific needs, not a trend.

Guidelines recommend at least seven hours of sleep nightly for most healthy adults. But instead of fixating on a specific number of hours, experts suggest people focus on how well they sleep, also known as sleep quality. Improving sleep quality starts with recognizing the factors contributing to poor sleep. One way is for people to keep a sleep diary for one to two weeks to record details of their sleep experience. Afterward, they can review the information to identify any patterns that may be affecting their sleep and make adjustments.

Daily morning exposure to blue-enriched light can improve sleep quality and increase activity levels in older adults, according to a 2025 study. Researchers believe morning blue light "wakes up" the brain, which increases alertness and synchronizes the sleep-wake cycle.

A 2025 study suggested that people with sedentary jobs are at higher risk of developing insomnia, which can persist for many years.

During midlife and later, men often experience a lower energy level, sour mood, and decline in sex drive. These changes have been tagged with the term "male menopause." A low testosterone level may be a factor. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing exercise, and following healthy sleep patterns, can help raise low levels. Another option is testosterone replacement therapy, but men need to weigh the possible benefits versus the risks.

Sleep is a key pillar of health, and countless influencers on social media are touting a concept called sleepmaxxing. But what exactly is it? And how likely is it to deliver on claims of amped-up energy, a boost to the immune system, reducing stress levels, and improving your mood?

Use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system to treat sleep apnea must be monitored regularly by a doctor. This might require numerous doctor visits initially, and then annual visits afterward to make sure the therapy is still working effectively. The clinician needs to review data collected by the machine, gather information from the patient, and determine if new health conditions, including weight gain or other sleep issues, require adjustments to the CPAP machine settings.

We can learn much from people who continue to live productive lives into their 80s and 90s. Doctors in this demographic have a unique perspective as they have the lessons from their decades of medical practice and their personal experiences dealing with Father Time. Here, two Harvard physicians - Dr. Marshall Wolf, 87, and Dr. Mitchell Rabkin, 94 - share lessons they've learned over the decades from their practice and personal life about how they keep their body and mind strong, healthy, and thriving.