The Golden Years sound relaxing and idyllic, do not they? No worries from work, playing with the grandkids time to operate on the golf swing, and the leisure and money sound like the ideal recipe for days and nights. You would think that seniors would not have any trouble at all sleeping at nighttime. But ask any individual over 65 odds are, and they sleep, you’ll hear a host of complaints.
Trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and sleep disturbances are common among the elderly than any other age group. And even though retirement might mean less stress from the challenges of achieving a healthful work/life balance, other stressors that have age plague the older, making a great night’s sleep increasingly evasive.
Sleep difficulties are prevalent among the elderly that we often assume it is only a normal part of aging. While changes in sleep architecture are normal as we get older, sleep deprivation isn’t. Just because adults function unwillingly — on less sleep as they get older, does not mean it is healthy for them. As they did in their 20s, in fact, older adults require exactly the same amount of sleep, and for a plethora of reasons, they can’t get it.
Believe it or not, a change as straightforward as locating the best mattress for seniors could make a world of difference in your or a loved one’s sleep functionality. But since there’s absolutely no one mattress that will address all the various sleep difficulties that seniors face, it’s helpful to understand precisely what’s currently keeping people up during the night. Read on to learn more, then see our hints.
Things to look for in a mattress for seniors
In general, the best mattresses for seniors have sufficient support to maintain neutral spine alignment, enough contouring to alleviate pressure points (think heels, hips, shoulders), and also some means for regulating body temperature. Mattresses with firm edge support will not only prevent sagging and last longer but also make it easier to get in and out of bed.
For most seniors, the best mattress will address their sleep challenges. High-density latex and memory foam mattresses that are moderate or medium firm are especially good choices for seniors who suffer from the following:
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
Foam mattresses relieve pressure, and contour the body, gently joints and the spine.
