A consistent daily routine may help older adults feel better physically and mentally, according to new research from the University of Missouri reported by ScienceDaily.
The study found that participants who kept regular schedules were more likely to report less physical pain and fewer symptoms of depression. That pattern showed up even among older adults who had insomnia.
To examine the connection between sleep difficulties and overall well-being, assistant professor Eunjin Tracy reviewed survey responses from 67 older adults. Of those participants, 37 said they experienced insomnia.
Tracy said the findings suggest that regular timing for activities like waking up, eating, working, socializing and going to bed may help keep the body’s circadian rhythm synchronized. The study, titled "Behavioral-social rhythms and insomnia symptoms: associations with pain, body mass index, and depressive symptoms among older adults," was published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
