A great nights sleep can do more than just let you feel rested. Getting enough sleep helps us concentrate better, stay at a healthy weight, gain more energy and coordination for physical activity, decrease the risk of heart disease and depression, and give us stronger immune systems. All those benefits are important for people of any age, but for seniors, they can mean the difference between an active lifestyle and illness. As seniors, we still about seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but sleep pattern changes can make sleep challenging. Today, well give you some important tips to help you get the rest you need to stay active, alert, and healthy. Talk to your doctor. Most sleep problems in seniors can be due to illness and medications. Overcoming that illness can help, or you can talk to your doctor about whether your current medications could be a problem. In some cases, there may be alternatives. Get on a schedule. People fall asleep faster when they have a regular bedtime. If you stick to a routine every day, even on the weekends, you may find it easier to get to sleep. Designate your sleep area. Avoid reading, watching TV, or browsing on devices in bed, which can interrupt your bodys sleep signals. Choose quiet activities before bed. In the last hour before bedtime, dedicate the time to quiet activities away from the TV like reading or listening to calming music. Being calm will help get your body ready for restful sleep. Try a warm bath. A warm bath has double benefits. First, it serves as one of those relaxing activities in that hour before bed. In addition, it raises your body temperature somewhat, so when you are finished, your temperature lowers and makes you feel more tired. Time your water intake. If getting up several times for the bathroom interrupts your sleep, try shifting your fluid intake schedule so youre not getting as much right before bed. Avoid naps. Daytime naps can interrupt your sleep schedule and make it harder to fall asleep. If possible, avoid naps and save all your sleeping time for nighttime. Get some exercise. Exercise during the day helps you feel tired at bedtime, and it also helps you stay healthy and fit. Always talk to your doctor before starting exercise, since not every exercise program is appropriate for everyone. Getting a good nights sleep is an important part of maintaining a healthy, fit senior lifestyle. When its time to decide about assisted senior living, contact us at Ashbridge Manor Senior Living. Our focus is on wellness, helping our seniors stay active and engaged with interesting activities, helpful amenities, and a friendly, welcoming sense of community. Our dedicated senior care professionals will answer all your questions and make the transition to assisted senior living easy. You can find us at 971 E. Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown, PA, call 610.269.8800, or contact us online for more information.