DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a retired and active 73-year-old who plays tennis and regularly goes to the gym. I often take long naps and sleep for 2 or 3 hours. At night, I often sleep 4 or 5 hours. My understanding is that someone in my age range should be getting 7 hours of sleep. If I take a 2-hour nap, and at night I sleep 5 hours, am I getting the proper amount of rest?

Also, if I can’t sleep, I often stay in bed just relaxing. Does this provide much of a benefit? Getting up to read often doesn’t help me fall back asleep. -- G.D.F.

ANSWER: Seven hours of sleep is a reasonable amount for most people, but there isn’t a single number that is critical for everyone for their optimal health. If you are getting 7 hours through a combination of napping and sleeping at night, this might be fine for

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