4 Handy Sleep Tips for Restful Seniors

November 5, 2017

As we age, taking care of ourselves becomes all the more important, and that includes eating a balanced diet, remaining active, and getting enough sleep. The last item on that list can seem particularly tricky. How is sleeping different when you’re older? Doesn’t it just stay the same? As with all things, our sleep requirements change as we age, and in order to make sure you’re getting the quality rest you need every night to stay alert and focused during the day, here are a few handy sleep tips that will help you sleep like a baby at any age.

1. Put in the Time

Despite what you may have heard, there is no “right” amount of sleep that everyone should be getting every night.  Experts agree that adults should get about 7-9 hours each night, but the real answer is that you should get as much sleep as you need to feel rested and energetic. If you already feel that way, great, but if not, perhaps you should get a little more shut-eye.

2. Turn Off the Electronics

It’s now easier than ever to keep your face in a screen all day, whether that be a TV, laptop, phone, or tablet. The light created by these devices stimulates your brain in such a way that it makes it more difficult to fall asleep unless you give yourself some time to relax beforehand. Doctors recommend that you should shut off all electronic devices about an hour before bed, taking that time to instead read or listen to music. This will allow your brain to slip into sleep more seamlessly.

3. Drink Less Fluids at Night

It’s very common to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and this becomes more common with age. If you find yourself waking up multiple times every night, however, this can really throw off the quality of your sleep. An easy way to get around this is to drink less fluids right before you go to bed. If you do this and still find yourself getting up 3-4 times a night to go to the restroom, be sure to consult your doctor.

4. Keep an Eye out for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by loud snoring and brief lapses in breathing during the night, and it can prevent a person from getting the sleep they need and even increase their risk for a variety of chronic diseases. Older adults (especially males) are particularly vulnerable to developing sleep apnea because the muscles in the throat that maintain the airway tend to lose definition over time. If you find yourself feeling constantly tired despite getting 7-9 hours of sleep like we mentioned above, you may need to seek out sleep apnea treatment in Vero Beach.

To do this, just consult with your doctor or take our short sleep quiz. It’s only 8 “Yes or No” questions, and after you have completed it, our team will contact you within 24 hours with advice on what you should do next.

Maintaining healthy sleep habits can literally add decades to your life and give you the energy to make the most out of your golden years. Following the tips above will help you do just that, especially if you’re dealing with sleep apnea and don’t know it.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a board-certified sleep dentist who has treated obstructive sleep apnea in Vero Beach for over 30 years. If you or a bed partner snore loudly or can’t seem to get enough sleep, he may be able to help you with a simple, custom-made oral appliance. If you have any concerns about your sleep, be sure to contact him today.