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How to Improve Your Sleep Routine

Do you often struggle to fall asleep? Some 50 percent of adults over the age of 55 have trouble obtaining the quality sleep they need. They may have difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep throughout the night, or waking too early. Whatever the problem is, the first step is recognizing that shabby sleep isn’t simply a part of getting older. Scroll down to learn how to improve your sleep routine.

How to Improve Your Sleep Routine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night to maintain good health. If you find that you’re struggling to get those hours, it may be time to examine your sleep routine. Cultivating good habits may be the ideal way to regain your ability to routinely enjoy a good night’s sleep. The following tips can help.

Embrace Consistency

If you want a healthy sleep routine, embrace consistency. Make it a point to get up and go to bed at the same time every day. Don’t change your schedule on the weekends. Instead, stick to a uniform schedule to consistently reinforce your body’s sleep-wake schedule.

Design a Bedroom for Sleeping

Today’s world celebrates multitasking, but there’s something to be said for simplicity. Design a bedroom for sleeping. Create a space that is restful and relaxing by doing the following:

  • Remove electronics.
  • Limit the amount of light so that you’re able to fall and stay asleep.
  • Reduce clutter. It can add to anxiety.
  • Install comfortable bedding.
  • Consider using a sound machine or fan to block out noises that might disturb your sleep.
  • Keep the room cool.

Be Mindful of Menus

An upset stomach can make sleeping tough, so be mindful of what you eat each day. Avoid going to bed when you’re too hungry or too full. Avoid spicy or fatty foods. Don’t consume caffeine late in the day. Eat dinner a few hours before bed so that your body has time to digest your meal. Finally, limit the amount that you drink after dinner so that your bladder won’t wake you during the night.

Get Moving

Being active during the day can help regulate your body’s internal clock. Even a simple walk around the block each afternoon may make it easier for you to fall asleep and slumber soundly at night.

Manage Worries

It’s no secret that stress interferes with sleep. Managing your stress with meditation, exercise, therapy, journaling, an artistic outlet, or some other method may help you rest better.

Check Medications

Health conditions and the medications used to manage them are often to blame when people struggle with sleep difficulties. Since older adults tend to have more health issues and take more medications, this could be part of the reason why they frequently battle sleep issues. Fortunately, a talk with your healthcare provider can deliver relief. Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you’re having trouble sleeping. Ask if any medications that you’re taking may interfere with slumber. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter medications and supplements in your discussions.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

The idea of establishing a bedtime routine may seem juvenile. After all, a bedtime routine is something parents do to coax their kids to go to bed without a fuss. However, it’s also a strategy that you may find helpful if you’re wondering how to improve your sleep routine. That’s because going through familiar steps each night tells your mind and your body that bedtime is approaching. It’s a trick that works for people of all ages. As a result, adults can design their own bedtime routine with relaxing activities that they enjoy (putting on cozy pajamas, drinking warm non-caffeinated tea, dimming the lights, reading a book, etc.). Then, they can follow it faithfully and appreciate the benefit of slipping into sleep more easily.

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Quality sleep is crucial for your well-being, so make it a priority! Assess your current sleeping habits, look for small steps you can take to improve your routine, and take action.
Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. Our community is both relaxing and elegant, and we strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.