Rest is a vital part of being human. Regardless of age, everyone needs quality sleep, as it will make an irreplaceable contribution to their defenses, energy, control, and even sense of humor.
Learn about older adults' sleep habits and how they affect their quality of life, as well as some recommendations for improving their rest, including, of course, bedtime.
What is rest like after 60?
Sleep patterns change at different times in life. As we reach adulthood, some variations often occur. Some of these include:
- Waking up more frequently during the night.
- Get up earlier in the morning.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- More abrupt transition between sleep and waking.
- Less time in deep sleep.
- More time without dreaming.
Although it is recommended that you sleep 7 to 8 hours per night, an older adult typically sleeps between 6.5 and 7 hours per night and wakes up 3 to 4 times each night.
Another common factor during this stage of life is health-related. Sometimes, there's an increased need to get up to go to the bathroom, as well as a feeling of pain due to a chronic illness.
Sleeping has great benefits for older adults.
- Protects the heart.
- Optimize memory.
- Reduces depression.
- Helps you lose weight.
To achieve optimal rest, an older adult SHOULD NOT
- Relying on sleep medications.
- Sleeping during the day for long periods of time.
- Eating too heavy before going to sleep.
- Spending a lot of time on your cell phone or tablet while in bed.
- Sleep at different times each night.
9 tips for resting after age 60
- Go to bed and get up at the same time every day
- Avoid substances such as caffeine or alcohol before sleeping
- Exercise or stay active.
- Do not take naps of more than 20 minutes during the day.
- Ask your doctor if prescription medications might affect your sleep.
- Avoid any strenuous activity 3 hours before bedtime.
- Before sleeping, avoid stimulating the brain (especially screens).
- Listen to music and/or relax before sleeping
- Consider the pillow you're using. Ideally, you want to achieve a good posture that doesn't cause you to wake up.
On this last point, the two recommendations from TheraMart's Sleep Department are the TheraGel Pillow and the TheraLastic Pillow .
Why sleep with an ergonomic pillow?
TheraGel has a cooling gel-coated surface that helps reduce nighttime heat, helping you achieve deep sleep more quickly. It's a high-profile pillow, ideal for back sleepers.
TheraLastic is an aerodynamic pillow that allows continuous ventilation through small holes along its length and width. It's flexible, soft, and cool, ideal for sleeping in any position, even if you move a lot while sleeping.
What if it is a dependent elderly person?
- They must be able to live in a peaceful environment . Peace and protection are invaluable. A space where the adult feels cared for by their loved ones is required.
- Receive dignified treatment . Adults need spaces where they are treated with love, patience, and respect, and where they can express themselves freely.
- Have your medical and financial needs covered . Adults deserve care for any health problem and financial support that can be a result of their years of work.
- Comfort in every space . Whether at home or away, rest is a priority, even when adults are watching television or reading. There is a wide range of products for this purpose. Here are three examples:
- TheraLev Leg Elevator Cushion : This leg elevator is comfortable for older adults because it is ergonomic, lightweight, easy to carry, and ideal for promoting circulation in the area.
- TheraDona Orthopedic Donut Cushion : If an adult spends a lot of time sitting, this orthopedic cushion can be helpful. It protects the skin and prevents pressure, as well as providing support to areas such as the tailbone, sacrum, and buttocks.
- TheraLiving Portable Sofa : Ideal for total back care while a senior reads or watches TV. Its ergonomic design allows it to adjust to the body, and it also has a soft-touch, washable cover.
- Healthy eating and exercise . In older adulthood, it's important to take care of your body and what you eat more than ever. There are simple exercises that don't compromise your health, such as walking or doing certain push-ups. And when it comes to eating, specialists can create a customized plan for each patient. Healthy digestion is the other part of this combination, as it can prevent problems in the stomach and other organs. TheraToilet is a bathroom stool that provides the correct posture on the toilet, thus organically promoting bowel movements. It's a great investment because it also prevents hemorrhoids and relieves constipation.
Make rest your priority
As you can see, rest brings with it a host of benefits regardless of age. But in older adults, sleeping well can bring particularly useful benefits, such as those related to memory and cardiovascular health.
To cover the necessary amount of sleep, both adults and older adults can rely on accessories, devices, and special pillows to achieve a full, but above all, necessary and well-deserved rest.
Recomendaciones muy puntuales y utilisimas para el cuidado del adulto mayor.Muchas gracias.