Did you know that seniors should get at least seven hours of sleep a night? If you’re getting less sleep than that, working on your sleep hygiene is a good idea. Let these sleep tips for seniors help you enjoy a good night’s rest.
Sleep Tips for Seniors
You might be surprised to learn that seniors are supposed to get just as much sleep as other adults. After all, seniors are known for getting up earlier than their younger counterparts. Unfortunately, abbreviated senior sleep schedules usually mark poor sleep hygiene. Seniors who don’t get at least seven hours of sleep a night ultimately deprive themselves of needed rest and may experience adverse health consequences as a result. Why is sleep such a challenge for seniors, and how can sleep tips for seniors help?
Why Do Some Seniors Struggle to Get a Good Night’s Sleep?
Because seniors tend to sleep less as they age, some believe that’s a natural part of aging. However, significant changes in sleeping habits are usually indicative of specific health problems that need to be addressed:
- Insufficient sleep is often indicative of a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are more common in seniors than in other age groups due to how aging affects the body’s circadian rhythm. If you wake up after a full night of sleep and still feel tired, a sleep disorder could be the culprit.
- Certain medications that seniors commonly take can cause insomnia and sleep disruptions. Other health issues, like uncontrolled pain or conditions like restless leg syndrome, can also interfere with sleep.
- Sometimes, sleep issues are a result of poor sleep hygiene. Seniors who don’t feel rested enough often make up the gap with oversleeping or daytime napping, which can reinforce poor sleep habits and make rest harder to get.
Sleep issues can be a frustrating thing to deal with. A lack of sleep can make a senior irritable, depressed, and even prone to memory problems and accidents. The good news is that there are plenty of things seniors can do to secure the rest they need.
Talk to Your Doctor
Because many of the problems that cause senior sleep issues are related to your health, your doctor’s office is a great place to start. Your doctor can help you adjust your medications, identify and diagnose sleep disorders, and solve any health problems preventing you from getting high-quality sleep.
Fix Your Sleep Schedule
Your doctor can assist with sleep, but there’s only so much they can do if you aren’t following a good sleep schedule. Try to get up at the same time every day and go to bed at the same time. Avoid napping if possible.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Developing a bedtime routine is an easy way to improve your sleep hygiene. Before you go to bed, try to find something you can do regularly that relaxes you, like reading a book or taking a hot shower. Avoid looking at screens before bedtime if possible, as the light from electronic devices can make falling asleep more difficult.
Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
To give yourself the best chance of a good night’s sleep, ensure your bedroom is sleep-friendly. If necessary, limit light and sound in the room with blackout curtains and a noise machine. Try to keep the room at a cool temperature, too, as that makes sleep easier to achieve.
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We hope these sleep tips for seniors will help you get the rest you need. If you’re looking for a community where senior rest and relaxation come first, come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta.
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.