Aging can cause numerous health issues and as people age, they might observe that it is harder to fall asleep and stay asleep which in turn leads to a poor quality of life for them. When we age our body’s efficiency to produce Melatonin, the hormone that aids and regulates our sleep, is decreased. This naturally leads to the aforementioned problems. Additionally, as we age our body’s ability to process stimulants like Caffeine decreases and if it is taken too close to bedtime, then you might find it hard to unwind. So, if you are nearing your wiser years, it might be a good idea to cut back on your coffee. All of these combined with the mattress that you might have bought in your twenties will cause a huge problem for you and would be high time that you visited one of our mattress stores in Bahrain.
In some instances, as we age the chances of sleep disorders also rise. Some of the common disorders are,
- Restless leg syndrome, which causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them.
- Periodic limb movement disorder, which causes involuntary jerking movements during sleep.
- Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up.
- Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day.
- Hypersomnia refers to medical conditions in which you repeatedly feel excessively tired during the day (called excessive daytime sleepiness) or sleep longer than usual at night.
- Sleep apnea can also occur in certain individuals. It is a disorder where breathing is disrupted while you are asleep. Snoring, gasping, or choking as you sleep are all symptoms of sleep apnea, which can also induce daytime drowsiness and weariness, and if noticed you should seek the consultation of a cardiologist or a neurologist.
In many cases, a good mattress can delay or reduce the effects of said disorders that occur as we age. Choosing a good orthopedic mattress might go a long way in providing your body with the support it needs. Even a memory foam or a hybrid mattress from a reputable seller like American Beds can go a long way in supporting your joints and delivering the protection that your Musculoskeletal system requires (for more information refer to http://americanbeds.com/the-interdependency-of-adequate-sleep-and-a-healthy-musculoskeletal-system/).
Consequences of insufficient Sleep
For older persons, lack of sleep can have major repercussions. Daytime exhaustion, cognitive issues, and a weaker immune system can all result from sleep deprivation, making it more difficult to fend off infections and diseases. In particular, among older adults who may already be at increased risk owing to age-related impairments in balance and movement, lack of sleep can raise the risk of falls and other mishaps.
Persistent sleep loss has also been associated with a higher chance of developing long-term illnesses like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The importance of prioritizing healthy sleep patterns is increased since these diseases are more prevalent in older persons.
As we age, the position we sleep in can also have a noticeable impact on our health, and as you might well know that there is no one size fits all when it comes to mattresses and you must choose the one that best suits your sleeping habits. This could go a long way in reducing the effects of aging on your body. And if you are looking for a mattress that best suits you, you can always avail the service of our expert staff in one of our mattress stores in Bahrain.
Tips for Improving Sleep in Older Adults
- Having a regular sleep routine– Going to sleep and waking up at the same time everyday can add lasting benefits to your quality of life.
- Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol intake– Avoiding their intake at least 8 hours before your bedtime is widely suggested by doctors.
- Regular exercise– Staying physically active can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.
- Choosing a suitable mattress– Choosing good quality memory foam mattress can go a long way in preserving your health.
- Meditation– Meditation has proven to be one of the easiest and most effective ways to help the body relax and shut down for a well-deserved night of sleep.
It might get difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep as we age due to changes in our bodies and sleep habits. Inadequate sleep can have detrimental effects on older adults, raising their risk of accidents, falls, and chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Even if most of it could be delayed with a good memory foam mattress from one of our mattress stores in Bahrain, it is never a permanent solution and if you feel like you might have started showing symptoms of such disorders then you must seek medical assistance.
