As we age, it’s more important to make sure we are getting our zzzz’s. At Baldwin House Senior Living, we understand that a healthy and restful sleep may be harder to come by for senior adults. We also know that it is crucial to healthy aging, and that’s why we have put together 7 reasons senior adults need sleep.
We hope this guide will inspire you to manage your sleep cycles, ask your doctor if you’re not sleeping well and to age gracefully and embrace your golden years.
7 Reasons Senior Adults Need Sleep
As we get older, our bodies change, and our minds do as well. Along with those changes, our need for sleep changes, and even though we have heard that adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night, senior adults might require even more than that!
We’ve put together 8 reasons adults need a night of deep, restful sleep.
- When we sleep, our body repairs itself. During sleep, tissues, muscles and bones are repaired. Sleep also produces and releases hormones that help fight off disease and infection.
- Our memories and cognitive function benefit from sleep. When we sleep, our memories are consolidated and that makes them more accessible to recall at a later time. A good night’s sleep also helps improve concentration, decision-making skills and focus.
- Sleep might help keep chronic conditions at bay. Sleep deprivation and insomnia have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and stroke.
- Sleep can help with your mood. When you get a good night’s sleep, it can reduce your anxiety and improve your overall mood.
- A good night’s sleep could help improve your balance and coordination, and that is even more important as we age to prevent a trip-and-fall injury.
- Your immune system gets a boost when you get your eight hours or more of sleep. White blood cells, those responsible for a healthy immune system, get a boost when you sleep.
- Sleep can improve your overall quality of life. A restful night’s sleep can help improve your energy levels, reduce fatigue and make it easier to cope with the daily challenges that come with aging.
If you find yourself struggling to get to or stay asleep, it might make sense to give your doctor a call and talk with him or her. There could be an underlying medical condition that is interfering with your restful sleep.
Here are some of our favorite strategies for getting that good night’s sleep your body needs.
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
- Create a relaxing routine that you perform every night before bedtime. This routine could include taking a warm bath, reading a book or listening to calm music. Avoid television, computer, tablet or phone screens prior to bedtime.
- Ensure your bedroom is dark, cool and quiet.
- Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks before bedtime.
- Get regular exercise, but not right before bedtime.
- As mentioned, call your doctor if you’re struggling to sleep through the night or fall asleep.
As an active adult, it’s important to take care of every aspect of your life and health, and that includes getting a good night’s sleep.
Visit a Baldwin House Senior Living community near you. Baldwin House Senior Living is built upon the strong foundation of guiding families and empowering seniors.
Baldwin House combines care with compassion and dignity. We offer families peace of mind and give seniors who call Baldwin House home the freedom to live their very best lives. Call us today to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you or your loved one!