By Shannin Prather
April 2023 | 2023 Spring Newsletter
Getting quality sleep can be a key part of mental and physical well-being. It is a common myth that older adults need less sleep than younger adults. However, as we age, certain health conditions may affect sleep patterns and quality. Lack of proper sleep can increase a persons’ risk for serious medical conditions and lower overall quality of life.
Steps can be taken to improve sleep habits and quality. Everyone’s needs are different and finding what works best for you is a good starting point for improving sleep.
Does your body want six hours or eight hours of sleep? Does your body work best when taking two-hour naps throughout the day instead of sleeping for a longer period at night?
Would a change in eating or drinking habits near bedtime improve your sleep? Would changes in your sleep environment, such as temperature, light-level, or use of white-noise, help?
If you struggle to feel rested after sleeping, consider making some changes until you learn what your body and mind need. It is also advised that avoiding looking at screens—such as televisions, computers, and smartphones—before bed can help your mind more easily drift to sleep. Being more active during the day can also prepare your body for sleep.
Learn more about getting the sleep you need by visiting cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html and nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep.
Getting quality sleep can be a key part of mental and physical well-being. It is a common myth that older adults need less sleep than younger adults. However, as we age, certain health conditions may affect sleep patterns and quality. Lack of proper sleep can increase a persons’ risk for serious medical conditions and lower overall quality of life.
Steps can be taken to improve sleep habits and quality. Everyone’s needs are different and finding what works best for you is a good starting point for improving sleep.
Does your body want six hours or eight hours of sleep? Does your body work best when taking two-hour naps throughout the day instead of sleeping for a longer period at night?
Would a change in eating or drinking habits near bedtime improve your sleep? Would changes in your sleep environment, such as temperature, light-level, or use of white-noise, help?
If you struggle to feel rested after sleeping, consider making some changes until you learn what your body and mind need. It is also advised that avoiding looking at screens—such as televisions, computers, and smartphones—before bed can help your mind more easily drift to sleep. Being more active during the day can also prepare your body for sleep.
Learn more about getting the sleep you need by visiting cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html and nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep.