Quality sleep is essential for the recovery of physical and mental strength, strengthens the immune system and serves as a prevention of many diseases. As the length of sleep at night decreases in old age, it is important for seniors to get the best sleep possible. A good quality mattress and the right choice of mattress can help them sleep better.
In middle age and old age, there is a reduction in nighttime sleep, but daytime sleep is more frequent. Older people tend to fall asleep earlier and wake up earlier, unlike younger people, and sleep efficiency also decreases in old age. The elderly wake up more frequently during the night and the proportion of deep sleep stages decreases. There is no significant difference between men and women in sleep development. On average, seniors spend about 7 to 8 hours per day sleeping.
Physiological changes occur in people in old age, as well as the aforementioned changes in sleep. These are caused not only by the ageing of the controlling brain structures and other systems, but also by the accumulation of unfavourable external factors and the increase in the number of chronic diseases.
Sleep disorders are very common in the elderly. The most common sleep disorders in old age include insomnia, or sleeplessness, restless legs syndrome, which occurs in up to 15% of seniors, and periodic limb movements. Seniors also often experience sleep-disordered breathing, parasomnias, narcolepsy and cataplexy.
There are several reasons why seniors have a harder time sleeping. Some people like to sleep during the day but can’t fall asleep at night or wake up frequently. In this case, the solution is to increase daytime activity, which will make people tired.
It is also important to take care of proper sleep hygiene. Older people should go to bed at the same time every day and should not drink too much fluid or eat heavy meals before going to bed. They will also sleep better in a well-ventilated room that is dark and at an ideal temperature.
Another bed is suitable for small children, another for young people and another for the elderly. It is therefore always advisable to take age into account when choosing a bed. Of course, the bed must be stable and durable and should be easy to maintain.
When choosing a bed for the elderly, the height of the bed is crucial. A bed for the elderly should be slightly higher than a traditional bed so that older people can lie down comfortably and get up easily. In addition, the choice of mattress and grid is important.
For seniors, it is very important to get a good night’s sleep and to relieve joint pain during sleep. In addition, less mobile seniors spend more time in bed, so a quality and comfortable mattress that meets hygiene and health standards is a must.
Mattresses for the elderly should be highly breathable and properly firm. They should provide relief to the body and also prevent the development of possible bedsores. Seniors often prefer a good quality spring mattress that provides support to the body and makes it easier to get up. Read more about how to spot a mattress that has a bedsore.
For people who are bedridden for long periods of time, there are anti-substance abuse mattresses or bedsore mattresses. Not only do anti-bedsore mattresses help to prevent the development of bedsores, but they also help to treat them. This is because they are designed to stimulate blood circulation in the skin and deep tissues.
There are two types of mattresses available, namely active mattresses and passive mattresses.
In addition to the mattress, it is also very important to choose a good quality mattress grid that supports the proper functioning of the mattress and also its ventilation. You should choose a mattress with regard to the weight of the person, his or her health, sleeping habits and, last but not least, the type of mattress.
Flexible materials are suitable for reclining and slatted grates and natural and inflexible materials for fixed grates. A suitable choice for the elderly may be an electric slatted reclining grill, which allows them to easily change position at the touch of a button. A reclining grill can help with back pain and relieve varicose veins. However, it is important to keep in mind that a spring mattress does not belong on a reclining mattress.
Long-term layers and people with incontinence should not miss a mattress protector. As its name suggests, it protects the main mattress from contamination and also enhances sleeping comfort.
Since sleep affects your quality of life, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right mattress. Especially for an older person with health problems, the wrong equipment can make their condition worse, for example in the form of back pain.
You should therefore try the mattress and pillow in person before you buy them. Choose a mattress based on your height, weight, preferred sleeping position and health problems. If you’re looking for a quality pillow, you definitely won’t go wrong with an anatomical pillow that molds to your neck and head for perfect muscle relaxation.
Also, since seniors often struggle with insomnia or waking up during the night, it is important that they feel comfortable in bed. Senior mattresses and anti-substance abuse mattresses are made to suit the needs of the elderly. A good quality mattress and a well-chosen pillow also contribute to better sleep for seniors.
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