Getting older brings a lot of changes and surprises, and not all of them are pleasant, by any means. The discomforts of getting a little older, a little stiffer here and there, can often be felt more in the dead of night, when you’re trying, and failing, to get to sleep. Your body might need a little more support resting, so here are a few tips that you should consider.
Make Sure Your Body’s Getting The Right Support
As we get older, our bodies change and become a lot more sensitive to changes in pressure, our joints can get stiffer, and even temperature fluctuations can become a lot more bothersome. A high-quality mattress tailored to your needs can make a world of difference not just in your sleep, but it can even help lessen back pain when you’re awake. If you’re waking up sore or tossing and turning all night, it might be time for an upgrade. Look for medium-firm support, cooling technology, and materials that contour to your body without sagging.
The Right Sleepwear Makes A Huge Difference
What you wear to bed can impact your sleep just as much as what you’re lying on. As mentioned, temperature fluctuations can be a major complaint, especially during and after menopause. As such, choosing nighties for older ladies means you’re a lot more likely to get sleepwear that provides comfort while allowing enough breathability so that you don’t become overheated at night. This means you’re also a lot less likely to wake up frequently.
Make Sure You’re Winding Down Right
If you’re like a lot of people, then you might find yourself with the phone screen lighting up inches away from your face even after you’ve turned off the lights and settled down for the night. That can make it a lot harder to go to sleep than you might realize. Establishing a calming pre-sleep ritual can help signal your brain that it’s time to shut down. Try dimming the lights an hour before bed, turning off screens, and doing something gentle, such as reading or stretching, to help you wind down and calm your mind, making it easier ot drift off to a full night’s rest.
Tackle Discomfort At The Source
If you feel uncomfortable lying in bed at night, it’s worth taking the time to note down precisely where it’s coming from. Joint pain, nighttime hot flashes, and frequent urination are just a few common causes of sleep interruptions for older women at night. There are solutions, however, such as orthopedic pillows for neck or back support, cooling pads for hot sleepers, and even medications that can help address some of the hormonal imbalances that can keep us up at night.
Having a good night’s rest can get tougher as we get older, which, in turn, can make us more tired and have low energy throughout the day. The tips above can not only help you get the sleep you need, but also improve your quality of life throughout the day, too.
