What Is the Importance of Sleep?

A good night of sleep is valuable for everyone, but as we age, it’s important to assess if there are any areas for improvement. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can lead to a list of issues, including the condition of your health, cognitive decline, and a decrease in quality of life.

Getting enough sleep is one of the best places to start when looking for ways to improve your overall health. It is suggested that seniors need eight to nine hours of sleep per day. A rested body makes all the difference — not only will you feel more refreshed, but you’ll also be making a smart choice for your future health.

Benefits of Sleep

Most likely, you’ve encountered that experience when you didn’t get enough sleep — lack of focus, short-tempered, exhausted, and more. Getting enough sleep has so many benefits:

• Improves mood
• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Reduces stress levels
• Improves memory and concentration
• Boosts immune system
• Lowers risk of developing chronic diseases
• Increases productivity

Tips for Getting Enough Rest

As we age, our sleep patterns change. Sleep can become less overall, with it being lighter and more fragmented. These changes can be a reflection of our circadian rhythms (internal clocks), a medication side effect, underlying health conditions, or more. Here’s a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting enough sleep:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
• Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed.
• Get up and move around during the day — exercise can improve your sleep.
• Avoid using electronic devices in the bedroom, such as TVs, smartphones, computers, etc.

Next Steps

Ensuring you get enough shut-eye offers tremendous benefits for your physical and mental health. At Brookridge, we provide a reputable wellness program to help our residents achieve and maintain a quality of life that matters, including the essentials of good sleep.

If you’re considering a retirement move to a Life Plan Community, we invite you to connect with us at Brookridge to learn more about our flourishing lifestyle in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any concerns about your sleep or health, please reach out to your healthcare provider.