How Much Sleep Does A Senior Need?

Sleep is a crucial part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. During sleep, the body repairs itself. Cognitive function, mental health, and physiological processes are all affected by sleep, or lack thereof. As a matter of fact, lack of sleep and biological aging are directly connected.

For most adults, at least 7 hours of sleep per night is recommended. However, this number can vary depending on genetics, age, existing health concerns, daily stress levels, and other factors.

How Many Hours of Sleep Do Seniors Need?

Seniors often struggle to fall or stay asleep for various reasons. This can have a significant impact on their health.

The importance of getting enough rest does not diminish as we age. Oftentimes, we need more sleep to maintain our mental and physical stability.

If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep issues, continue reading to learn about some common causes and remedies. The more you understand about sleep health, the easier it will be to maintain.

Reasons for Poor Sleep Health in Seniors

Seniors may struggle to fall asleep for a variety of reasons. Common medical conditions like heartburn, aches and pains, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc., can all impact one’s ability to fall or stay asleep. More serious conditions like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and emphysema can also contribute to sleep issues.

Older individuals may also experience diminished production of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin assists in both falling asleep and maintaining sleep. When our bodies do not produce enough of this hormone, insomnia occurs.

The Importance of Sleep as We Age

Good sleep is essential to your health and wellbeing no matter your age. However, since older individuals often have trouble achieving good quality sleep, their health can suffer greatly.

By improving sleep patterns, individuals can address a variety of symptoms that occur due to poor sleep habits. Some of these include:

Grogginess/Reduced Alertness
Unregulated Appetite
Memory Problems
Trouble Concentrating
Weight Gain
Low Energy
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Cardiac Disease
Poor Immune System Health

Individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep-related issues often have to rely on medication to sleep soundly. While these medications are beneficial for many, other times holistic approaches are useful, as well.

What Can Enhance Sleep for Many Older Adults?

For seniors dealing with insomnia and other sleep-related problems, the side effects of sleep deprivation can be debilitating. Lack of sleep can worsen existing health conditions and lead to an increased risk of falls, illness, and mental health issues.

Trouble sleeping is the last thing you want to deal with during your retirement. Some ways you can help improve your quality of sleep include:

Establish a calming bedtime routine and stick to it
Change the sheets regularly
Reduce caffeine
Reduce stress
Reduce screen time and light exposure before bed to help protect melatonin production
Keeping the bedroom clean
Follow a regular exercise routine during the day
Eat a balanced diet
Ensure the bedroom is dark at bedtime
Stick to a schedule

The above suggestions can help to dramatically improve your sleep health. You should also speak with your doctor for assistance with establishing a bedtime routine and treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

Remove Stress. Sleep Well at Porters Neck Village

If you’re searching for a unique Wilmington independent living community, contact Porters Neck Village. From transportation to meal preparation, you can rely on us to handle everything, allowing you to focus on fully enjoying this exciting new chapter in your life.

At Porters Neck Village, we believe in creating an environment that naturally eases stress, fostering a more restful sleep experience. Our serene setting and active lifestyle options promote healthy sleep and provide peace of mind to our residents and their families.