Does Longer Sleep Mean Longer Life for Seniors? Not So Fast!69-year-old Qin Da-ma has always been passionate about health research. She firmly believes that "the longer you sleep, the longer you live," so she goes to bed early every day, even feeling drowsy at night
Does Longer Sleep Mean Longer Life for Seniors? Not So Fast!
69-year-old Qin Da-ma has always been passionate about health research. She firmly believes that "the longer you sleep, the longer you live," so she goes to bed early every day, even feeling drowsy at night. However, after a few days, Qin Da-ma found herself dizzy and listless, her sleep becoming restless, making her doubt whether she was on the right track.
So, does sleeping longer really mean longer life for seniors? The answer is not that simple. While sleep is an essential part of human life, excessive sleep time, especially for seniors, does not necessarily translate to longer life and may even lead to negative consequences.
Risks of Excessive Sleep for Seniors
For seniors, excessive sleep time can trigger a range of health problems, including:
- Indigestion: Seniors experience decreased gastrointestinal function, and going to sleep immediately after meals can exacerbate the digestive burden, leading to stomach discomfort.
- Decreased Sleep Quality: Sleeping for longer periods can ironically result in poorer sleep quality because excessive sleep time can disrupt the sleep cycle, making you feel exhausted and mentally sluggish.
- Increased Risk of Diseases: Studies have shown a link between excessive sleep time and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases.
How Can Seniors Achieve Healthy Sleep?
So, how can seniors adjust their sleep patterns to achieve healthy sleep goals?
- Regular Sleep Schedule: Seniors should maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day, to help the body establish a biological clock.
- Moderate Exercise: Appropriate exercise can promote sleep, but exercise should be done several hours before bedtime to avoid excessive excitement that might interfere with sleep.
- Avoid Excessive Food Intake Before Bed: It is best to avoid going to sleep right after dinner and aim for at least a two-hour gap before going to bed. Avoid consuming excessive sweets or greasy foods before bed.
- Create a Favorable Sleep Environment: The senior's bedroom should be quiet, dark, and cool, free from noise and strong light stimulation. Taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music before bed can help relax the body and mind.
- Avoid Using Electronic Devices Before Bed: The light emitted from phones, computers, and televisions can suppress melatonin production, affecting sleep quality. It is recommended to turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bed and avoid using phones in bed.
Conclusion
Excessive sleep time for seniors does not lead to longer life. Instead, moderate sleep duration, good sleep habits, combined with regular routines and a healthy diet, are the keys to maintaining physical and mental well-being and extending lifespan. Therefore, seniors should adjust their sleep time based on their individual circumstances, avoid excessive sleep, prioritize health and well-being, and adopt a healthy lifestyle for a more fulfilling later life.
References
[1] Huang Qi, Liu Kehao, Huang Ziyu, et al. Research progress on the mechanism of sleep disorder affecting oral mucosal healing after oral ulcer[J/OL]. Chongqing Medicine, 1-9[2024-09-12].
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