One of the most prevalent myths about the importance of sleep is the idea that seniors naturally sleep less than their younger counterparts. The truth is that everybody needs a healthy amount of sleep to function, and seniors who don’t address sleep issues leave themselves at risk for health problems and other complications. Do you understand the importance of sleep in your senior years?
How Much Sleep Does a Senior Need?
Seniors face some unique challenges when it comes to getting a full night’s rest:
- Seniors experience natural shifts in their circadian rhythm as they age. The circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock, and it tells your body when sleep is appropriate. The circadian rhythm gets less accurate in older age, leading to earlier mornings and waking up throughout the night.
- Some common senior medications can cause insomnia. In addition, some seniors have difficulty sleeping because of pain or other medical issues.
- Seniors tend to have more sedentary lifestyles. Physical activity and exposure to natural light are vital to regulating sleep. Less active seniors miss out on these cues for their bodies, making sleep even more challenging.
Regardless of the challenges, seniors need at least seven hours of sleep a night. What makes senior sleep so important, and what happens when seniors don’t get adequate rest? Let’s dig a little deeper . . .
Sleep is good for your heart.
If you’re a health-conscious senior, you probably already know that heart disease risks increase significantly once you reach your golden years. Believe it or not, one of the best weapons you have against heart disease is a good night’s sleep. Insomnia in seniors correlates with different kinds of heart disease, ranging from high blood pressure to more serious issues like strokes and heart attacks. If you want a healthy heart, you need to get healthy sleep.
Sleep is essential for your immune system.
Focusing on sleep can boost your efforts if you’re trying to avoid seasonal illnesses like the flu. Sleep regulates the immune system, which means that a well-rested body is more likely to stay healthy. A lack of sleep can also lead to other immune issues like chronic inflammation, which can cause long-term damage to your body over time.
Sleep can improve your cognitive functions.
If you’ve ever tried to do a complicated mental task after a poor night of sleep, you know how important rest is to your brain’s ability to function. A well-rested brain has more capacity for learning and other cognitive tasks, making it easier for seniors to think and remember things. Sleep can make you more creative, better at solving problems, and more easily able to apply other cognitive skills as needed in your day-to-day life.
Sleep promotes better mental health.
Are you concerned with maintaining positive mental health as you age? If so, you should prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. A lack of sleep in seniors is known to cause frustration and irritability and can even exacerbate common senior mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Getting adequate sleep helps seniors maintain an even mood and an overall better mental state.
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Now that you know the importance of sleep, what can you do to prioritize it? If you aren’t sure where to start, talk to your doctor about improving your sleep hygiene at your next check-up.
Are you looking for a community that puts senior health and well-being first? At The Gables on Pelham, we’re happy to provide our residents with various tools and services to assist them in making the most of life. With our warm, welcoming environment and full community calendar, you’ll surely find plenty of friends and opportunities for activity and wellness. To learn more, please schedule a call with us at 864-713-1377.