Tabitha Tip: Snoozing Great Means Aging Better
Imagine the bliss you feel when crawling under the covers of your bed on a chilly evening, immediately being enveloped in comfort, coziness and warmth. When you get your full eight hours of shut-eye, your brain gets that very same “aha” moment! Your sleep quality and quantity impact your everyday function, and when the stars—and your rapid eye movement (REM) sleep patterns—align, you’re well-prepared for a phenomenal day.
For Better Sleep Month in May, leave it to Tabitha for tips on how to better your slumbers and age gratefully while doing so.
Getting in shape starts with sufficient sleep. Perhaps the most important part of each day is your recovery time, whether you’re spending time doing self-care or taking a snooze. Sleep offers brain-nourishing benefits for your memory, strengthens your attention span and improves your ability to take in information. Quality rest has an impact on every bodily process, from your heart to hormone regulation and everything in between.
Adversely, when you miss out on shuteye, News in Health states your cognitive function takes a hit and puts you more at risk of falls. Many disorders that hone in on the nervous and mental systems—like Alzheimer’s disease—have been tied to unresolved sleep issues. A bad night’s rest alone won’t put you on track for memory issues, but it’s crucial to quell poor sleep habits for the sake of your present and future health.
Make sure to touch up on the bedtime basics. Insomnia is the most common sleep interrupter in adults over 60 years old, and about one in three adults worldwide exhibit symptoms of insomnia. Thankfully, the best way to “cure” sleep issues starts with establishing a solid nighttime routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, limit screen exposure before resting, avoid caffeine in the late afternoon or evening, and find the best ways to help you relax before hitting the hay.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a process that’s picking up traction, especially for folks whose thoughts race right before they’re able to get their beauty sleep. This practice involves mindfully contracting and relaxing each muscle in the body, starting at the toes and ending at the forehead and face, and is supplemented by slow, deep breathing. Give it a try at bedtime—you may find yourself asleep before you even realize!
Typical tips not working? No worries—everyone is different. Getting great rest may actually start with your daytime routine, so it’s recommended to get your exercise earlier in the day and soak up lots of sun, not only to exert energy and help you feel sleepier, but to notify your internal clock that it’s time for bed when the sun starts setting.
You can also experiment with the perfect bedroom setup: try a white noise machine or fan, special lighting like a sunset lamp, a glass of water on the bedside table for midnight thirsties, or a strategic combination of comforters and light or weighted blankets.
A person will typically spend about a third of their life sleeping, so it’s definitely worthwhile to prioritize your travels to dream world. Enjoy your sweet dreams, and with them, the perks of a healthy mind and joyful aging journey!
This health tip is brought to you by Tabitha. To learn more, visit Tabitha.org
