ADVERTISEMENT
How Sleep Affects Mental Health After 60
Your sleep position doesn’t just affect your physical health — it also has a big impact on your brain.
Good sleep improves:
- Memory and concentration
- Mood regulation
- Emotional resilience
- Mental clarity
- Immune function
But disrupted sleep — especially due to poor oxygenation or discomfort — can increase the risk of cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Sleeping on your right side helps ensure the brain gets enough oxygen, the heart isn’t overworked, and the nervous system has the right conditions to reset and recharge.
Final Tips for Better Sleep Over 60
To get the most from your sleep and protect your health in every way possible, try incorporating these nighttime habits into your routine:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day
- Create a calming environment: dim lights, cool room temperature, and minimal noise
- Stick to a consistent schedule: go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
- Turn off electronics at least an hour before bed
- Do light stretching or breathing exercises to help your body unwind
And if you can, avoid falling asleep in armchairs or sofas — they may seem cozy but don’t offer the full-body support needed for restorative sleep.
The Takeaway: One Small Shift Can Change Everything
A single change — like switching the side you sleep on — might seem simple, but its benefits can be profound.
If you’re over 60, or caring for someone who is, sleeping on the right side could improve heart function, reduce blood pressure, ease digestion, and even support brain health. It’s a natural, cost-free way to protect the heart and improve overall well-being through something we already do every night.
Sometimes, the quietest health changes are the most powerful.
ADVERTISEMENT
