Sleep and Aging: Sleep Support for Seniors

Sleep support for seniors can improve their quality of life and overall wellness. Throughout life, sleep habits and the duration of sleep needed to maintain optimal wellness will vary. It is a common complaint amongst the elderly that sleep becomes more difficult into the golden years. Sleep problems for seniors range from early morning waking, excess daytime drowsiness and difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Poor sleep reduces one’s quality of life and often relates to a person’s health concerns.

A study from National Institute on Aging shows that out of 9,000+ people age 65 or older, half reported having sleep troubles. The root of most sleep issues among seniors is due to changes in the body’s internal clock. Your master clock influences the body’s 24 hour day and night cycles called the circadian rhythm.

Your circadian rhythms function by taking cues from your environment and is responsible for letting your body know when to release hormones that make you alert or sleepy.

As we age, deterioration happens in areas of the brain that influence the circadian rhythm. In turn, the body’s natural sleep cycle is disrupted, and it may be more difficult for seniors to get quality sleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Unfortunately, research shows that many seniors have insufficient exposure to daylight, averaging around an hour a day, or none for some elders living in care homes. A lack of adequate sunlight exposure causes the production of hormones to become disrupted, negatively influencing cortisol and melatonin levels. Melatonin is produced in response to darkness, which helps promote sleep and balance the circadian rhythms; however, the body’s melatonin production decreases with age.

Sleep support for seniors can help improve physical and mental health. Often the relationship between sleep and health is complicated as many older adults are diagnosed with one or more health conditions. Seniors with multiple health conditions report poor sleep quality and duration, getting 6 hours of sleep or less with frequent disruptions.

Improving Sleep

Research shows older people can improve their health conditions and cognitive function with quality sleep. Here are three tips to encourage a better night’s rest for a better quality of life.

• Practice Good Sleep Hygiene – Keep a consistent bedtime and create a healthy sleep environment free of distractions and light. Click here for tips to creating a mindful bedtime routine.
• Daytime Exercise –  Exercise is one of the best things anyone can do to improve their health. People who exercise during the day have an easier time falling asleep at night. In addition, moving your body helps with hormone balance reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
• Sunlight Exposure – Getting sunlight on your skin and through your eyes helps produce healthy cortisol levels, so you feel alert during the day. Sunlight is the key to a balanced circadian rhythm. Your body needs the balance of sunlight during the daytime and darkness when it’s time to sleep for balance and good health.

Pure Hemp Botanicals Pure Sleep CBD + CBN and melatonin formulas may be helpful sleep support for seniors who lack sufficient daylight exposure or experience poor quality of sleep. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking medications to ensure Pure Sleep is a safe option for you. The right sleep support for seniors can improve their overall quality of life. Sleep is essential for everyday biological functions. Maintaining a regular sleep cycle and getting in a full night’s sleep supports optimal wellness.