As we age, sleep becomes key to a healthy lifestyle

We all know how good it feels to get a good night’s rest, but did you also know that it has a big impact on your overall health? Getting quality sleep can help stave away health concerns such as high blood pressure, it can benefit your immune system, and it can have a huge impact on your mental health, helping curb feelings of stress and anxiety.

Aging influences our sleep patterns, and over time, a solid eight hours isn’t what it used to be. Quite often, older adults will have more trouble falling asleep or they will wake up frequently throughout the night. They also wake up earlier. In fact, total sleep time is a lot less as we age, usually around 6.5 to 7 hours a night.

There are numerous things we can do to try and increase the overall quality of our sleep. The first thing is having a defined bedtime routine. This includes no screens and something that might help us to relax, like reading or listening to a podcast. If you have a schedule leading up to sleep, your body will start to recognize the different cues and will therefore help you get to sleep faster.

Avoid certain foods and beverages before bed. Anything with caffeine or a lot of sugar is a big no-no. Also, if you get up during the night to use the washroom a lot, try not having too much to drink in the hour or two before you go to sleep.

Wear loose, comfortable sleepwear. You don’t want anything that’s too hot or restricting and will cause you mid-night discomfort. Also pay attention to the temperature of the room.

Make sure you have a good quality bed. We spend so much time sleeping that we should have a bed that works for us. A big trend in beds for seniors — and everyone, in fact — are adjustable beds. These once-utilitarian beds found solely in hospitals have become key features in many modern bedrooms, as they not only offer comfort but style, too. They’re tech-savvy, have loads of health benefits, and they’re a great solution for couples who have different sleep preferences.

“Many models come with features like wireless remotes and are whisper quiet,” said Anthony Lionetti, VP of Marketing at Matelas Bonheur, a local family-owned company and a leader in the mattress business. “They can help improve circulation by elevating the legs, and they relieve pain, particularly for those with back or joint issues. Some have lumbar support like you find in luxury cars. They can help reduce snoring and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea by raising the head and keeping airways open.

“It’s also a growing trend with couples. A split queen-sized adjustable bed allows each person to customize their mattress and sleep position without disturbing their partner. People are spending more and more time in their bedrooms reading, watching TV, and relaxing, and these adjustable bases can transform the bedroom into a comfortable, stylish space.”

Finally, being active is great for overall wellbeing. Getting physical activity every day, especially as we age, is vital to maintaining our quality of life. Regular exercise will also help you get a better night’s rest. However, avoid anything too active at least two hours before bedtime. It will help ensure your body is ready to wind down and prepare for sleeping.