Here is an essential question: Is poor sleep a consequence of aging, or is poor sleep a contributing factor to aging? Turns out, it may be both. According to new research published in the journal Neuron, because certain brain mechanisms that promote deep sleep diminish as we age, we have trouble getting the sound and restful sleep that all of our major organs need in order to function properly. And we know that lack of sleep is associated with illnesses in the elderly such as heart disease and diabetes, not to mention memory decline. Either way, the message is clear- we need to try to get as much sleep as we can while we age, which is no easy task. Sleeping pills only sedate you, rather than promote the essential deeply restive sleep your body needs. While not every senior suffers from sleep deprivation, for those who do there are non-medication methods that can help, if you invest the time and commitment. Find out more about this new research Here. And if constant fatigue is your problem, lack of sleep may not be the only cause. Find out what else could be going on Here.