There is quite a bit of conventional wisdom that anyone who is over the age of 60 should practice a health DREAMS lifestyle is they want to live a long and healthy life. DREAMS is an acronym for Diet, Rest, Exercise, Medical Attention And Social Interaction.
Today we'll focus on rest.
Make getting enough sleep a new top priority. Here are some helpful hints for seniors who feel they are too busy to sleep well: many people report increased productivity after prioritizing sleep.
Hint #1- Most Important for Seniors When Trying to Sleep -
Set a bedtime and stick to it
In order to accommodate your loved one's care needs, you may need to rearrange your sleep schedule. The most important thing is to commit to a regular sleep schedule and honor it as best you can. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine teaches your body that it is time to sleep every day around the same time, which makes it more conducive to sleep. In general, humans require between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.
Tip #2: Seniors should work out on a regular basis to improve sleep (ideally)
One of the easiest methods to make sure you're weary enough to sleep at night is to engage in regular physical activity during the day. If you want to exercise but don't have much time, just do what you can manage. Even if you can't fit in a yoga class or marathon training right now, you can still get some exercise by walking during your lunch break, using the stairs instead of the elevator, or riding an exercise bike for 30 minutes instead of checking your email. Try to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine by taking a look at your calendar first thing in the morning.
Tip #3: Prepare for bed at the end of the day for the best night's sleep
Do what you can the night before to have a smooth start to the day. You may prepare for the day ahead by laying out your clothes, setting the breakfast table, writing down a to-do list, packing a care package to present to a loved one, or just cleaning the house. Anything that helps you feel ready for the next day might lighten your mental burden and make it easier to relax.
Tip #4: Wind down in the evening
Spend at least half an hour unwinding before bed. Try soaking in a hot tub, reading a fluffy novel, sipping some decaf tea, keeping a journal, or doing some mild stretching. If watching TV helps you unwind, by all means do so; but, if you find that checking email or social media really increases your stress level, you may want to reconsider. Reading in bed can help you relax and prepare to sleep if you have difficulties dozing off. Read till you're sleepy.
Tip #5: Comfortable bedding and a relaxing room
If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to try keeping your bedroom on the cooler side by cracking a window. If you're having trouble focusing because of outside noise, try using a fan or a white noise machine. When you can't get to sleep, it's helpful to have a book on hand to read. Keep a pad of paper next to your bed in case you find yourself tossing and turning at night while remembering all the things you need to get done. A calmer state of being begins with a more focused mind.
The benefits of good rest:
Reduce The Risk Of Fall-Related Injuries
Enhance Memory Retention
Maintain The Immune System
Promote Emotional Wellbeing
Increase Energy For Exercise
