Goodnight, Sleep Tight: Health Benefits of Good Sleep

Bedtime routines may differ from person to person. Most perform some sort of hygienic ritual, like teeth brushing and face washing. Some take a few minutes to write in a journal about what happened on that day. Others play soft classical music that lulls them to sleep.

Although not every end-of-the-day ritual is the same, the important thing is to find one that works for you and contributes to a good night’s sleep. Restful sleep is essential to wellbeing, no matter your age; all adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep per night. We at Monroe Village have found just a few ways that proper rest contributes to a healthy body and mind.

5 Reasons Why Sleep is Important

• Influences Heart Health: The Centers for Disease Control reports that lack of sleep can lead to heart health problems like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, which raises the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Keeping in mind that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, a focus on heart heath is vitally important – and one way of achieving this is simply to get the recommended amount of sleep.
• Reduces Stress: The American Psychological Association conducted a survey to highlight the relationship between sleep and stress. It was reported that adults who get fewer than eight hours of sleep a night are more likely to report symptoms of stress, such as feeling irritable or angry, feeling overwhelmed or losing patience. Sleeping well results in a recharged body and mind, able to deal with the stress that comes up in everyday life.
• Improves Your Memory and Concentration: It’s proven that sleep deprivation impairs attention and working memory, as well as long-term memory and decision-making. Ample sleep makes for a sharper mind, and keeping an active brain is necessary for healthy aging.
• Maintains Proper Immune Function: While getting more sleep won’t necessarily prevent sickness, not getting enough can adversely affect your immune system function. Studies have found that, “Sleep and the circadian system exert a strong regulatory influence on immune functions,” including the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines which exhibit peaks during early nocturnal sleep. Your body needs consistent, quality time to rest in order to refresh your immune system.
• Enhances Social Relationships: Studies have found that poor sleep affects your ability to process emotional information and recognize important social cues when interacting with others. Plus, rather than sluggishly coasting through the day, adequate sleep allows you to fully engage in the community and feel motivated to participate in activities.

Discover a Good Night’s Sleep for Older Adults at Monroe Village

We want you to sleep well at Monroe Village knowing that you are living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard for. Take advantage of one of our many relaxing amenities, like a full-body massage in a quiet, serene spa room or enjoying a painting class in our creative workshop. Plus, you can sleep soundly knowing that with our maintenance-free lifestyle, everything you need is taken care of for you. Contact us today to start creating a plan for your future and to schedule your personal tour.