Many people choose their bedding based on the appearance, but how it feels and how well it works for you is much more important. Your bedding impacts your comfort, which can affect how well you sleep at night. Getting a good night's sleep helps you feel rested and alert during the day.
Older adults often experience changes in their sleep patterns naturally. It's common to fall asleep and wake up earlier. Seniors might experience different sleep disruptions, including pain and medications that make it difficult to sleep.
By improving your bedding, you eliminate one factor that could interfere with your sleep. It can help you feel soothed and relaxed, allowing you to fall asleep faster. The right bedding also prevents you from getting too hot, which can also help you stay comfy all night long. You can also take other steps to improve your sleep like exercising regularly, following a bedtime routine and creating a soothing bedroom environment.
Your bedding can include lots of different components, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some types of bedding to consider:
Cozy bedding can help people of all ages sleep better, but older adults might have extra concerns when it comes to sleeping conditions. Find recommendations for the following concerns to improve your bedding.
Safety is a major concern for older adults. Extra-large bedding that drapes over the sides of the bed to the floor could cause a tripping hazard. You might get caught up in the excess fabric when you get out of bed. Bedding that's slippery can also cause issues when you get in and out of bed.
Choose bedding that's sized for your bed. Make sure it doesn't hang over the edge too far. Avoid heavy fabrics that might be difficult to move off your body. Lightweight covers are easier to move away and might reduce the risk of you getting tangled up in them. When choosing sheets, you might want to avoid silk and satin fabrics, which are usually slippery and could cause you to slide.
Changes to your aging skin can impact the bedding you choose. As you get older, your skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic. It often becomes more fragile and might be more prone to damage. If you experience pain, discomfort or sensitivity in your skin, choosing soft, nonirritating fabrics for your bedding can help. High-quality cotton is naturally soft and breathable, which can feel good against your skin. Bamboo is also a super-soft bedding material to consider.
Aging can also cause night sweats, particularly for women who are going through menopause. This can cause you to feel hot and uncomfortable while you sleep. Choosing cooling bedding can help. Cotton and linen are both breathable, natural fabrics that help keep you comfortable. Linen may be particularly helpful, as it naturally draws moisture away from your skin. It can help you feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter for year-round comfort.
Leaks at night can be an issue for older adults. Choosing fabrics that wick moisture away from your body can help. It's also beneficial to choose durable, machine-washable bedding that holds up well with frequent washing. You might also consider adding a mattress cover to keep fluids from reaching your mattress.
Considering how well your current bedding works for you can help you determine what changes you need to make. It can take some trial and error to find fabrics and styles that feel comfortable to you. The quality of the bedding can also make a difference. Investing in higher-quality, natural fabrics can improve your comfort and help you sleep better.
