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Davidson News

Well Being of Seniors: How Home Temperature Impacts Sleep

This matter is of particular concern when considering the well being of seniors, as they frequently grapple with sleep-related issues.

How temperature affects sleep of seniors. (Photo: Google)

Getting fewer than seven hours of sleep each night raises the likelihood of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and mental distress, negatively impacting the well being of seniors.

According to an article published by New York Post, inadequate sleep, defined as less than seven hours per night, significantly elevates the risks of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and mental distress. This concern holds particularly true for the well being of seniors, who frequently grapple with sleep issues.

Although adults generally require between seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal health, elderly individuals tend to adopt an earlier sleep schedule and wake-up time due to age-related changes impacting their well being.

Various factors such as pain, illnesses, or medications can exacerbate sleep disruptions experienced by seniors, further affecting their well being.

Traditionally, sleep-related research has concentrated on aspects related to physical health and behavior, inadvertently overlooking the paramount influence of the surrounding environment on the well being of seniors. However, an insightful investigation carried out by Dr. Amir Baniassadi and his colleagues at Hebrew SeniorLife took into account data from 50 older adults.

These participants’ sleep patterns were meticulously tracked through the use of wearable sleep monitors and state-of-the-art environmental sensors. The findings of this study revealed a crucial correlation: optimal and rejuvenating sleep for older adults is achieved when the ambient nighttime temperatures fall within the range of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

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As temperatures ascend from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a discernible decline of 5% to 10% in sleep efficiency, directly impacting the well being of seniors.

According to an article published by MSN, the study underscores the significant potential for enhancing the well being of seniors by optimizing home temperatures according to their individual preferences and requirements, thus leading to an improvement in sleep quality for older adults.

It’s not uncommon for the well being of seniors to be compromised due to one partner’s sleep disorder impacting their partner’s sleep, prompting couples to explore separate sleeping arrangements. Employing strategies such as earplugs, eye masks, and adjusting sleep schedules has been shown to contribute to more restful sleep, further promoting the well being of seniors.

In addition to these strategies, avoiding nighttime consumption of food, alcohol, and caffeine has also demonstrated positive effects on sleep, thus contributing to the overall well being of seniors.

To extend the scope of this research, the authors have outlined their intentions to delve into the influence of warmer climates on the sleep patterns of low-income older adults.

Through this exploration, they aim to devise interventions that can effectively enhance the sleep environments of this demographic, ultimately prioritizing the well being of seniors living in such conditions.

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