Sleeping patterns change with age. The older you get, the less melatonin your body produces, meaning you are more prone to uneasy slumber and, in some cases, even insomnia. A lack of sleep leads to episodes of fatigue, confusion, and even memory loss.
Sleep deprivation is closely linked to depression. People who constantly have trouble sleeping are more likely to suffer from depression, while those who have depression tend to find it hard to fall asleep. In the case of older people, many suffer from sleep problems due to medical illnesses, medication side effects, social isolation, and poor sleeping habits. Hence, there are many who experience depression.
However, age isn’t the only reason why seniors can’t fall asleep like a baby – sometimes the environment is to blame. If the pillow or mattress isn’t comfortable, then it might be the reason behind the restless nights. Picking the right pillow can help correct posture, which reduces chronic pain and guarantees a good night’s sleep.
Recommended Pillows for Seniors of 2024
UTTU Sandwich Orthopedic Pillow
Picking a sleeping position with this pillow is trouble-free as it’s possible to sleep on the back, sides, or stomach. Additionally, UTTU provides a machine-washable bamboo pillowcase that’s hypoallergenic and helps sleepers stay cooler at night.
The $55.99 price tag makes the Sandwich Orthopedic Pillow a great option for seniors of any budget. Moreover, UTTU offers everyone plenty of time to get a good night’s rest and test the product with the 96-night satisfaction guarantee.
ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
This unique pillow is shaped like a butterfly and is suitable for all sleeping positions. It even has a wing area for seniors to place their hands, which improves arm blood circulation. Moreover, ZAMAT comes with an organic bamboo fiber pillowcase that is environmentally friendly and not so harsh on the skin.
Priced at $55.99, it‘s an affordable luxury pillow for restless sleepers. Furthermore, the 100-night free trial puts seniors’ minds at ease, knowing there’s a lot of time to give the pillow a solid try.
Coop Eden Memory Foam Pillow
The gel-infused memory foam is not only a softer material but also helps people sleep cooler at night. Plus, seniors who usually sleep on their sides, back, and stomach are going to appreciate this super soft pillow.
Coop offers a 100-night trial period to put its best-rated pillows to the test. While the price tag of $96.00 may sound a little steep to some, it’s worth considering the health benefits of using this pillow and how it can work wonders on sleep quality.
Best Types of Pillows for Seniors
Pillows come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fillings. These fillings range from feathers to foam, gel, latex, and cotton. Feather pillows are stuffed with a traditional filling that maintains their shape over time. It’s an affordable, lightweight pillow suitable for seniors that sleep on their backs or sides.
The only downside is that these pillows are filled with a thick material that traps in body heat, which can cause headaches and night sweats. Down pillows are similar to feather pillows in terms of the origin of the materials used, but they are usually more expensive, softer, and moldable, providing excellent cushioning for the neck.
Another incredibly comfortable pillow is the memory foam pillow. It’s made from a plastic material called polyurethane, providing the best relief for chronic neck pain due to its contouring abilities. Just like feather pillows, memory foam pillows also trap in body heat.
Meanwhile, gel pillows aim to keep sleepers cooler at night by absorbing the heat from the neck and head area. They’re also filled with a material that helps the pillow to hold its shape better. Gel pillows are firmer and more suited for seniors that sleep on their backs and stomachs, but a body pillow can reduce joint pressures and improve spine alignment for a good night’s rest.
How To Pick the Perfect Pillow
When it comes to pillows, one design does not fit all. Understanding the differences between the types of pillows and the kind of sleepers they are best suited for can help seniors invest better in their health.
Back sleepers benefit significantly from medium to firm gel pillows, which are adjustable and do not over- or under-extend the neck while sleeping. People that love sleeping on their sides are better off going for down pillows, which are breathable, softer, and are little thicker to ensure the head doesn’t sink in too much and to prevent neck sprains. Finally, memory foam pillows are perfect for stomach sleepers, as they offer great contouring that relieves pressure on the spine for deep, restful sleep.
However, it’s not just the type of pillow that needs to be considered – the characteristics of the pillow matter as well. Other factors need to be taken into account, such as size, breathability, cooling features, and overall support.
Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep
People experience major changes in their sleeping patterns as they age. Fortunately, seniors can improve their sleeping habits by changing a few things in their environment.
Limiting screen time before bed allows the natural production of melatonin, which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles that, in turn, fosters a regular bedtime routine and reduces insomnia. The latter can lead to seniors sleeping soundly and waking up feeling more refreshed.
It’s also possible to further enhance sleeping habits by investing in bed rails and a bedside alarm system, especially for elderly people who tend to fall out of bed when they are in a deep sleep. This way, seniors can fall asleep at ease knowing they won’t fall during the night.
In addition, a bedside commode within arm’s reach is not a bad idea either. It helps seniors use the bathroom during the night and reduces the risk of falling since there won’t be a need to go all the way to the toilet. Furthermore, it’s worth looking into a night light, which aids in relaxation and provides better lighting when seniors need to get around during the night.
With the right kind of pillow and these best practices, seniors can get a great night’s sleep and wake up the next morning feeling refreshed.
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