How Does Sleep Change with Age?
As we age, our sleep patterns change. Good sleep is essential for both our physical and mental health, and affects our brain function. But how exactly does sleep evolve with age, and what can we do to improve sleep quality? Read on for insights into the stages of sleep and practical tips.
The Five Stages of Sleep: What Happens During the Night?
During a night we go through different sleep stages, each of which has unique functions. Thuisarts.nl offers detailed information about the sleep stages, but below is a short summary:
- Stage 1: Light sleep, in which we are still semi-conscious; this accounts for about 5% of total sleep.
- Stage 2: Covers 45-55% of sleep. In this stage, breathing and heart rate slow down, and body temperature drops.
- Stage 3: Onset of deep sleep; crucial for brain repair.
- Stage 4: Very deep sleep. Muscle activity is minimal as the brainstem prepares for REM sleep.
- Stage 5 (REM sleep): Dreaming occurs here and is essential for memory consolidation and emotional processing.
Some people may experience REM sleep disorders, where the protective mechanism that prevents us from physically acting out our dreams does not function properly. Slaapinfo.nl offers valuable information about these and other sleep disorders.
How Does Sleep Change with Age?
As we get older, our sleep patterns begin to change. From our mid-fifties onwards, many people notice that they sleep less deeply and wake up more often. According to Thuisarts.nl, this is due to natural changes in the body, such as a decrease in deep sleep and an increase in lighter sleep phases.
It is also normal for older people to wake up more often at night, for example due to an increased need to go to the toilet or chronic pain. For those who take naps during the day, this can reduce 'sleep consolidation', which affects the quality of nighttime sleep. Gezondheidsnet offers further advice for improving sleep quality in older people.
An Aid Against Snoring: ComfyNight™ Snoring Mouthpiece
Snoring is a common problem for people and can affect the quality of sleep, both for themselves and their partners. An effective solution for this is a ComfyNight™ Snoring Mouthpiece from Doctor Comfy Sleep , which keeps the lower jaw in a slightly forward position. This keeps the airways clear and reduces snoring. For people who often wake up due to snoring, a snoring mouthpiece from Doctor Comfy Sleep can significantly improve breathing and sleep quality.
Conclusion
Sleep changes with age, but with a few adjustments you can improve the quality. Understanding the stages of sleep can help you make conscious choices for a better night's sleep. A ComfyNight™ Snoring Device from Doctor Comfy Sleep can be a simple and effective way to sleep deeper and improve breathing, creating a better night's sleep not only for yourself, but also for your partner.
