The Aging Body's Clock: Why Seniors Wake Up Early

As people age, the brain’s ability to sense time cues and respond to daily light signals declines, shifting the circadian clock earlier so older adults feel tired sooner and wake up earlier. Vision changes from aging, particularly cataracts, reduce evening light reaching the brain, making sunset feel earlier and melatonin rise earlier. Practical tweaks—bright evening light exposure, staying active, morning sunlight, and avoiding alcohol before bed—can help adjust sleep timing, and cataract surgery may improve light cues to stabilize sleep.