It is a myth that older people need less sleep. Sleep helps regenerate our bodies, strengthen our immunity and promote our well-being. Seniors need to feel comfortable and ready for the day in the morning. But the question is how you can still enjoy a healthy and long night's sleep at an older age? Why are weighted blankets also a good solution for seniors?
Why the elderly can't sleep?
There are plenty of causes for insomnia. For example, you can think of stomach and intestinal problems, problems with the nervous system or other diseases and conditions that cause you to sleep poorly. Nervous system problems are a major cause of insomnia in humans.
In the elderly, the nervous system is already somewhat weakened and exposed to stress, which is caused by work, health problems and a lesser degree of independence. This all affects the stimulation of your nervous system, which can then lead to insomnia.
It's also worth mentioning that this sends you into a downward spiral - if we can't sleep, we get nervous and start worrying about this. This then makes it even more difficult to fall asleep.
Certain neurological disorders unfortunately also occur in our older years - Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or depression are the most common examples of this. This also affects your night's sleep.
Weighted blankets - a healthy sleep without sleeping pills or medication
A weighted blanket does not look any different from a normal blanket or comforter. The secret of these special blankets lies in the weight. A weighted blanket is specially made for you. The size and weight of a weighted blanket is determined based on your height and weight.
A weighted blanket for seniors is an alternative to sleeping pills or other addictive medication. How exactly does it work? That's very simple. The weight of the blanket is evenly distributed over the entire body. This is also known as deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS). For example, pressure points on your body (muscles, tendons and joints) are stimulated by the subtle pressure of the weighted blanket. This ensures that you relax and calm down.
The pressure of the blanket also causes something special to happen in your body. It ensures that more serotonin (happiness hormone) is released in the body. People with depression, neurosis, autism and other related conditions often have a shortage of serotonin.
Therapists also note that people move less under a weighted blanket. This makes it easier to control trembling hands or other body parts.
A weighted blanket also provides a safer feeling and reduces panic and anxiety during sleep. They also have a positive influence on RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome), Parkinson's, anxiety and panic attacks, narcolepsy, depression and many other conditions.
How do you recognize a good, healthy night's sleep?
The quality of your sleep is determined by its length and how long it takes you to fall asleep, whether you sleep peacefully through the night and whether you have enough energy to get through the day the next day.
It is believed that your sleep should not be less than 6.5 hours. This also applies to the elderly. You cannot miss these moments of relaxation because it is just as beneficial to your body as the supplements and medicines seniors consume every day. It is even more important, because it provides regeneration and well-being in a natural way.
Another important characteristic for a healthy night's sleep is continuity. Waking up during your sleep is very natural. We all wake up for a fraction of a second while sleeping. This without us realizing it. However, it is important that these so-called "pauses" in your sleep do not last longer than 30 minutes.
According to doctors, it is also very important whether you get a good and healthy night's sleep. It's worth asking your relatives or loved ones if you have trouble sleeping or other sleep disorders without realizing it.
For the rest, it all depends largely on your well-being and energy. You also get this from a good and healthy night's sleep.
