New Tricks – Sleep Advice for Over 55s

Sleep changes throughout a person’s lifetime. Perhaps the most dramatic variations occur when we’re in our 20s; however, around the 55 year mark, we also experience significant alterations in our bedtime behaviour.

For instance, many sleepers around this milestone age find that they are more easily woken up during the night, while medical issues may start to become more habitual and pronounced.

So how exactly can you adapt to these changes to achieve a great night’s sleep?

Sleep advice for Over 55s

Routine

Many over 55s have a fairly structured lifestyle, so setting a restful night time routine can be extremely effective in improving sleep at this age.

Firstly, it is important to omit certain things that may be stimulating you at night. This includes:

Talking on the telephone or using a smart device before bed.

Engrossing television or films – instead stick to something throwaway and light hearted.

Caffeine and alcohol within six hours of going to bed should be avoided.

You should also try to eat your main meal at least two hours before sleep. If you get peckish before bed, a light snack such as peanut butter on rice cakes is a great option.

Before bed you should embrace those things that relax and calm you, like reading but exercise should be avoided.

Environment

Setting the right environment for you to sleep is also very important.

If you or your partner snores this is an issue that should be looked at immediately by a professional. Not only could you be disturbing one another during the night, snoring may also be a sign of sleep apnoea.

Getting your room as dark as possible is helpful too so an investment in blackout blinds is well worth it as street lights or sunrise can be disturbing.

Feeling too hot or too cold in bed is a common issue with people around the age of 55 and above, particularly women. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night you should wear natural, breathable materials in bed, such as cotton, silk and bamboo.

Are You Sleeping in the Right Bed?

You may also want to consider a temperature regulating mattress, such as the Therma Phase or Response Gel mattresses. If you would like to find out more about these beds, click on the following link to locate nearest Kaymed stockist, and for more information on a range of other beds, click here.