We often hear about how ageing can affect sleep. And it’s true that as we get older, sleep can suffer. Changing circadian rhythms, nocturia – an increased need to pee in the night – and anxiety or chronic health conditions can all affect its quality as we age.
But let’s flip the coin and look at how sleep affects the ageing process.
Despite bold claims from some hyperbaric oxygen therapy centres, there is nothing that can stop the ageing process in our bodies. However, if we dive into the physiological changes that occur in the brain and body as we sleep it’s clear to see how developing good sleep habits can help soothe the natural effects of the passing of time.
What happens when we sleep?
The body works restorative magic during rest - restoring, resetting and rejuvenating organs and cells. A mini reboot every night, if you will. Muscles repair, hormonal levels regulate and the brain performs its own version of daily waste removal.
Some of the most critical changes that occur in the body during sleep include:
• The consolidation of emotional and procedural (long-term, implicit) memory during the REM stage.
• The brain undergoes a neurochemical reset as dopamine and serotonin activity levels significantly decrease during sleep.
• Muscle repair occurs as growth hormone is released, glycogen levels are replenished and anti-inflammatory cytokines help aid muscle recovery.
• Hormones, such as melatonin, are produced while others are regulated. Cortisol (the ‘stress’ hormone) decreases and leptin (a hormone that manages hunger levels) is maintained.
Let’s explore some physiological changes that occur during sleep that might have more impact as we age.
Why is sleep even more important as we age?
Waste clearage
While we sleep a macroscopic waste clearance system called the glymphatic system gets to work. It clears out neurotoxic waste, such as beta-amyloid, a process that becomes more critical as we age. According to the National Library of Medicine, “The process of aging is accompanied by a range of neurobiological alterations in the brain, which entail an accumulation of toxic proteins, such as beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles…” *
Immune support
As we age the immune system naturally declines, a complex process called immunosenescence. There are many ways to help support the immune system and rest is key as deep sleep enhances immune cell activity,
Cardiovascular health
Anyone with a FitBit can tell you that your heart rate is lower when you sleep. Blood pressure drops too, which gives the cardiovascular system a chance to rest.
Insulin sensitivity
The quality, duration and timing of sleep has been shown to affect insulin sensitivity and crucially short sleep duration has been shown to increase insulin resistance, elevating the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.**
Optimising quality sleep
Swedish-based bed manufacturer Hästens understands the importance of a good night’s sleep. The luxury brand has been handcrafting beds since 1852. Each bed is handmade in the Swedish town of Köping, taking up to 600 hours to craft using only natural materials.
“While we sleep miracles happen,” says Hästens. “It’s sleep that makes the difference to life, a natural process that cannot be replicated, bought over a counter or swallowed in a pill. You cannot cheat your way to a perfect sleep, but there are things that you can do to understand why it’s important and ensure you give yourself the best chance of a great night’s sleep.”
Visit the Hästens website to read more about the benefits of sleep and to see the full range of beds and accessories.
Bed tests in local Sleep Spas are bookable online at www.hastens.com or visit your nearest authorised retailer