How Sleep Can Help with Stress as You Age
The older we get, the more difficult it seems to bounce back after a stressful situation. Dealing with stress can be complex, and ignoring the issue isn’t going to do you any favors when it comes to health and wellness. One of the easiest ways that the senior population can combat day-to-day stress is to ensure that they get a long and refreshing night’s sleep.
The Effects of Stress on Aging Body
We all lose some of our resilience as we age, amplifying the effects of excessive stress. Isolation, loss of loved ones, and financial problems are all common stressors among the senior population. Chronic illnesses and physical conditions can also turn even simple, everyday tasks into a stressful event. The biggest signs of stress to look out for in older adults include:
● Changes in eating habits, including both overeating and loss of appetite
● Mood swings
● Memory problems, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating
● Aches, pains, and illness
Over time, stress, or even the anticipation of stress- can take its toll on your body. It can accelerate cellular aging, contribute to the development of cognitive disorders like dementia, and even lead to vision and hearing problems.
Regulating Stress with Sleep
There are many ways that older adults can lower their stress levels. Exercises such as yoga, tai chi, walking and other physical activities can help to ease stress, as can following a well-balanced diet. Joining senior groups and social clubs can also lead to a more relaxed, carefree lifestyle. Perhaps the most important factor in decreasing stress levels, however, is sleep. Our sleep patterns change as we age, with our bodies producing lower levels of growth hormone and melatonin. This decreases the amount of deep sleep that you get each night and makes you easier to rouse.
Older adults who don’t sleep well not only experience greater levels of stress, but are also more likely to suffer from depression, attention and memory problems, and experience more night-time falls. Insufficient sleep can also lead to serious health concerns, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight problems, and breast cancer in women. By ensuring that you get between 7.5 and 9 hours of sleep each night, you can combat stress and improve your overall health.
Getting a Better Night’s Rest
There are several ways in which seniors can overcome sleep problems and insomnia as they grow older. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, there are a few tricks that you can try to help yourself rest more easily:
● Boost your melatonin levels by avoiding exposure to bright, artificial lights in the evening.
● Don’t read from backlit devices or watch anything on screen before bed.
● Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable.
● Reserve your bedroom exclusively for sleep and intimate activities.
● Keep a consistent bedtime ritual.
Sally Phillips is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and travelling as much as possible.
