Sleep is a vital aspect of leading a healthy life. Unfortunately, older adults do not always have the easiest time with having a full, peaceful night’s rest. The lack of sleep older adults experience may be due to a particular health issue, a medication they are taking, or possibly because they are anxious about ageing. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and snoring are very common among older adults and drastically interrupt the suggested seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
How can older adults take back their restful night’s sleep?
Here are some tips that may help:
1.Set a schedule.
Set an hour that you wake up every morning, eats meals, and go to bed.
2. Exercise.
Commit to exercising 150 minutes a week. Check with your doctor to see what the intensity of your workout should be. Note that exercising in the earlier half of the day will be more beneficial because exercising at night may keep you up later.
3. Keep cool.
For the best sleep possible, keep your bedroom temperature on the cooler side.
4. Have a before bedtime routine.
Set a routine that relaxes you, such as reading or meditating.
5. Don’t try too hard to fall asleep.
If you are unable to fall asleep within 15 minutes, get out of bed and walk to another room to read or mediate for a little bit and try falling asleep again after that. However, do not turn on the tv or go on your computer.
6. Talk to your doctor.
Tell your doctor about your lack of sleep and perhaps he or she will inform it is a side effect of your medicine or a medical issue.
***Disclaimer: The information in this post is for reference only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical expertise or advice. If you have any concerns about your own or another’s health then please contact your doctor.
Sources:
http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/08/07/sleep-and-growing-older
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/do-seniors-need-less-sleep#2
https://familydoctor.org/sleep-changes-in-older-adults/
