Sleep is a vital part of our lives, impacting our health, mood, and overall well being. As we age, our sleep patterns often change, leading to questions and concerns about how much sleep we need and how to get it. In this month’s Ageing Well blog, we are looking at the importance of sleep for older adults, how much sleep the elderly need and some tips for getting a better night’s sleep.
Why is sleep important as we get older?
Good sleep is essential for staying healthy as we age. It helps:
- Improve memory and concentration
- Boost mood and reduce stress
- Support the immune system
- Lower the risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes
Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, making it harder to stay active and enjoy daily activities.
Do older people need less sleep?
It is often assumed that older people need less sleep, however this is not the case. While sleep patterns and needs can change with age, older adults generally need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults – around 7 to 9 hours per night.
Changes in sleep patterns can make it seem like older people need less sleep. For example, older adults might:
- Feel sleepy earlier in the evening
- Wake up earlier in the morning
- Experience more fragmented sleep
These changes can sometimes lead to difficulties in getting the recommended amount of sleep. However, ensuring a full night’s sleep remains important for maintaining health and wellbeing.
Tips for better sleep
Here are our recommendations to help improve sleep quality for older adults:
- Stick to a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Create a restful environment: Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
- Limit naps: While napping can be beneficial, avoid long or late afternoon naps that can interfere with night time sleep.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Why not take a look at our Ageing Well resources for exercise ideas.
- Watch what you eat and drink: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed. These can disrupt sleep or make it harder to fall asleep.
- Manage stress: Practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help reduce stress and prepare your body for sleep.
If you would like to know more about sleep and the elderly, you can visit the resources section of our website where we have information on insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness.
If you’re struggling with sleep, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP for help and guidance.
Why choose Bright Care
Bright Care can support you with elder care for your loved one. We offer companionship style care that focuses on building meaningful relationships, establishing trust and helps your loved one with ageing better. Our tailored in-home care services provide peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones.
If you would like to know more about the companionship care services we offer to those in their later years, please get in touch with our team today.
We are recruiting exceptional Care Assistants in the South East of England and Scotland. If you are interested in a rewarding career in care, please apply now.
