As people reach middle age, "sleep" tends to decrease—so how can you improve your sleep quality?
Release date:
2023-03-14 10:06
Source:
“Since retiring, I’ve been sleeping less and waking up earlier—often finding myself wide awake in the early hours with no way to fall back asleep. As we age, sleep issues like difficulty falling asleep, shallow sleep, and waking up too early become increasingly common, leaving many middle-aged and older adults worried about their health. A decline in physical function is a frequent culprit behind insomnia among seniors. After reaching middle age and beyond, the body produces less melatonin, which can shorten sleep duration. And when sleep deprivation persists over time, it not only weakens the immune system but also raises the risk of cognitive impairments—ultimately affecting overall quality of life. So, how much sleep is ideal for older adults?”

Maintaining 7 to 8 hours of sleep and sticking to a regular sleep schedule are key to healthy sleep. A new study published in the scientific journal *Nature Aging* by Professor Jianfeng Feng and Wei Cheng’s team from the Institute for Brain-Inspired Intelligence Science and Technology at Fudan University suggests that getting seven hours of sleep daily and maintaining consistent sleep patterns can significantly benefit the physical and mental well-being of middle-aged and older adults.

In addition to shorter sleep durations, shallow sleep and waking up early are two major issues troubling middle-aged and older adults. In reality, many seniors experience lighter sleep patterns, often startled awake by external noises like human voices or animal sounds. Once they’re fully awake, falling back asleep becomes incredibly difficult, significantly impacting their overall sleep health. To enjoy better sleep, creating a comfortable and conducive sleeping environment is essential. Research shows that overly bright lighting, noisy surroundings, and temperatures that aren’t ideal for rest can all disrupt the body’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Therefore, cultivating a quiet, natural, and peaceful sleep environment is crucial for enhancing sleep quality.

To improve sleep quality, middle-aged and older adults also need a comfortable mattress. As people age, the function of their lumbar spine often gradually declines. This is especially true for middle-aged and elderly individuals, who frequently experience lower back pain and discomfort after sitting for long periods throughout the day. That’s when a Double Mattress designed to support and protect the spine—and particularly the lower back—comes in handy, helping seniors keep their lumbar region properly supported while they sleep at night.

People spend about one-third of their lives sleeping, making it essential for middle-aged and elderly individuals to choose a comfortable mattress that enhances sleep quality. Dongguan-based, 30-year-old local brand Donble Mattress has delved deep into Chinese people’s sleep habits, developing innovative mattresses designed for easy turning during sleep. These mattresses offer excellent support, effectively balancing pressure points and helping the body’s spine maintain its natural, healthy alignment—ultimately safeguarding spinal health.
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