Sleep Strategies for Seniors: Building Restorative Nighttime Habits

Sleep Strategies for Seniors Building Restorative Nighttime Habits

Sleep is the time for our body to heal from everything that each day throws at us.  As a senior, your body might get more tired than it used to when you were younger, so you obviously need more rest. More rest doesn’t necessarily translate into more hours of sleep.  

You simply need to improve the quality of your sleep. Hours won’t matter much if sleep quality is good, and you can function well with even 6 to 7 hours of sleep. Here is your guide to getting good quality sleep every night. 

Ensure Sun Exposure

People often think that following a calming night routine will help them relax and fall asleep quickly, and they will end up sleeping like a baby, but that is not the only factor at play. For a good night’s sleep, you have to start with daytime sun exposure to keep your circadian rhythm regulated. 

Senior living places like assisted living in Sun City, FL, offer dedicated outdoor spaces where you can walk, practice yoga, or spend time with other residents, which can help you get the much-needed sun exposure for good sleep and normal vitamin D levels. 

Keep Dinner Light

You might have noticed that sleeping after a heavy dinner is very uncomfortable, and if you drink something like coffee, you often end up staying awake all night. Therefore, you need to keep your dinner light by eating vegetables and soups, and by avoiding heavy, oily, and calorie-dense foods. 

And if you have to drink tea or coffee at all costs, try to take it in the evening. So by the time you have to sleep, the effect of the caffeine will have worn off, and your sleep quality won’t be affected.  

Create a Bedtime Routine

One of the most deciding factors in the quality of your sleep is your routine, 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. If you are addicted to doomscrolling on your smartphone, then your sleep will suffer. Therefore, you need to engage in relaxing activities, such as reading a book, taking a warm shower, or putting away all screens, at least 1 hour before going to bed.

A proper routine is especially important for seniors, as they often use social media for news, and hearing something distressing before sleep can keep them thinking about it all night, disrupting their sleep. 

Sleep on a Comfortable Mattress

Most older adults don’t struggle to fall asleep; their main concern is waking up again and again. In most cases, the reason is an uncomfortable mattress; even if you follow all the rituals for a good night’s sleep, you will still struggle if this issue persists. 

Therefore, senior living places like Aston Gardens ensure their residents have the best-quality bedding. A good-quality mattress also reduces the risk of falls, ensuring both comfort and safety of their residents. 

Conclusion

If you want to sleep comfortably every night, you need to start by having sun exposure during the day. Then avoid a heavy dinner and establish a proper bedtime routine to help you fall asleep. Finally, make sure your blanket and mattress are comfortable for a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep. 

Image Source: Freepik

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