Getting Better Sleep: Why It's Important & How to Get Enough

If you lie awake with a racing mind at night or find yourself tossing and turning until the morning, know you’re not alone. According to research from 2020, nearly 50 percent of older adults have trouble sleeping. Part of seniors’ trouble sleeping is because of changes in sleep patterns that medical or psychiatric conditions and prescription side effects can ignite.

While sleep troubles are common, they are not something you have to accept or ignore. Sleep is necessary to overall health, and there are strategies you can put into place to improve your sleep if you struggle with getting the rest you deserve.

Why Is Sleep Important?

Sleep plays a big role in our well-being. If you ever skipped out on sleep for a long period of time, you probably noticed a lack of alertness and poor concentration. Sleep is essential to our physical and psychological health, and can impact everything from our circulatory, respiratory, and immune systems to our memory, metabolism, and hormones. 

Needless to say, without sleep, we cannot function. When we sleep, our bodies are able to focus on repair and recovery, preparing itself and all of its systems for the next day. 

Tips For Getting Better Sleep

The recommended amount of sleep is 7 to 9 hours each night. If you’re not getting at least 7 hours most nights, you should consider ways to improve your sleep habits. 

Some sleep troubles will need medical treatment and assistance from your doctor, especially if you have a diagnosed sleep disorder. However, there are small changes you can make that may improve your sleep quality. 

• Invest in a quality mattress. A poor mattress can affect sleep quality and cause back or neck discomfort. Research suggests medium-firm mattresses promote optimal comfort and spinal alignment for quality sleep. 
• Create a restful space to sleep. A bedroom should be relaxing and encourage sleep. Don’t install a television in your bedroom, and limit technology like phones and tablets. You also want to ensure your bedroom is kept at a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
• Be careful about the length of your naps. Naps are a great way to help regain some energy throughout the day. However, sleeping for too long or too late in the day can affect your nighttime sleep. Try to keep naps to under 30 minutes and before 3 pm. 
• Understand how medications may affect your sleep. Some prescription medications may affect your sleep. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of any medications you take. 

Getting Better Sleep With Visiting Angels

Whether it’s finding the right mattress, scheduling an appointment with a sleep specialist, or helping to create the perfect sleep environment, Visiting Angels is here to help. Our team of compassionate caregivers is made up of experienced professionals dedicated to providing quality non-medical assistance to help seniors feel safe and comfortable at home. And that includes doing what we can to ensure you’re getting a quality night’s sleep.

Our Southwest Colorado office works with seniors throughout Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Alamosa, San Luis Valley, and Durango, Colorado. We encourage all potential clients to contact our office for a complimentary in-house consultation to learn more about how our caregiving services can fit into your life.