6 Sleep Tips for Seniors

Are you getting your ZZZZs?  Sleep is important for everyone's health! A good night's rest can lower stress, help maintain a healthy weight, and overall increase happiness. Even with all of these wonderful benefits of sleep, the average American gets less than 7 hours a night, which is less than the recommended amount of 7-9 hours a night.

With more people getting less sleep, the National Sleep Foundation named March 5-11 National Sleep Awareness Week to "celebrate the benefits of sleep."

Great sleep for seniors is important, but may be more difficult to obtain because of several sleep conditions that may be prohibiting an appropriate amount of hours. At United Methodist Homes, we try to create a positive atmosphere for sleep and advocate healthy lifestyles.

Some sleep pattern changes are caused by physical and psychiatric illnesses and the medications that treat them. As we age, we experience less sleep because of insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Although any sleep problems should be discussed with a doctor, here are a couple tips for seniors in assisted living or independent living centers to get a better night's sleep.

Tips for Better Rest

1. Create a Sleep Schedule- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time- being consistent is important.

2. Be Aware of Your Diet- Don't go to bed hungry or full, it can cause you to be uncomfortable.

3. Milk Before Bed- Although some proteins are not good before bed, milk contains casein, a protein which will give you a peak protein synthesis between 3-4 hours after consumption (good for your long sleep hours.) A warm glass of milk is also often comforting to many.

4. Try Meditation- Relaxing through meditation will make it easier to go to sleep faster.

5. Theres an App For That- Several apps have soothing sound tracks that will make you feel comfortable and relax.

6. Lavender Scented Products-The smell of lavender has been known to be calming, so products scented with lavender will help you relax.

Need Help?

If you'd like more information about senior health, try our Healthy Living page or Nutrition at UMH page. Or, if you'd like any information regarding assisted living or independent living communities contact us and we'd be happy to help you!