By Lyn Hart, Wellness Expert and Owner of Local Sunmed | Your CBD Store Braintree

Did you know that more than half of older adults experience sleep disturbances? While changes in sleep patterns are common with aging, they are often dismissed as an unavoidable part of getting older – and when the sleep issues are addressed, the solution typically falls back to the status quo: a prescription sleep medication (despite mounting evidence of their potential risks and failure to address the root cause). The good news? There are effective, natural solutions to help improve sleep that don’t involve taking yet another medication.
Why sleep matters as we age
Sleep is an active and essential process that supports memory, cognitive function, and overall health. Often described as the brain’s “housekeeper,” sleep clears out toxins, consolidates memories, and restores energy levels. However, as we age, sleep patterns shift. Older adults tend to spend less time in deep, restorative sleep and experience more frequent awakenings throughout the night. This fragmented sleep can contribute to daytime fatigue, cognitive decline, increased fall risk, and even worsened symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis or menopause-related hot flashes.
Poor sleep can also impact mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, prioritizing healthy sleep can improve mood, enhance focus, boost immune function, and support overall longevity.
Tips for better sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults 65 and older should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Here are some strategies to improve sleep quality:

  • Stick to a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
  • +Limit stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can all interfere with sleep quality. As we age, our bodies metabolize these substances differently, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
  • Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
  • Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching can help calm the mind before bedtime.
    A natural approach to better sleep
    If you’re struggling with sleep and looking for a natural approach, Sunmed’s clinically proven sleep supplements may help. Our nonpsychoactive hemp-based formula works to balance the body’s endocannabinoid system, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. In a six-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 660 participants, our formula significantly outperformed the placebo – enhancing sleep onset, reducing nighttime awakenings, and even decreasing feelings of anxiousness. These results were confirmed through NIH-approved Promis assessments.
    This Sleep Awareness Month, visit Sunmed | Your CBD Store Braintree and mention this column to enjoy 20% off our clinically proven sleep supplements. Our wellness experts are here to help answer all your questions and guide you on your journey. Stop by today and discover how better sleep can lead to a healthier, happier you.
    This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
    About the Author: Lyn Hart, Wellness Expert and Sunmed | Your CBD Store Owner, can be reached at 381 Washington St., Braintree, 781-228-6179.