Don’t go to bed stuffed or starved!

AS WE get older, many of us experience changes in our sleep patterns. We might wake briefly several times during the night, as we lose some of the deepest levels of non-REM sleep.

Anything that we can do to help ourselves get a better night’s sleep is worthwhile.

Exercise and fresh air, shorter daytime naps, a ban on caffeine in the evening and avoiding going to be to bed feeling stuffed or starved will all help.

It’s also essential to create a good sleep environment. Sleep in a cool, dark room on a comfortable mattress.

An uncomfortable mattress is the purchase that British people most regret. So it’s worth investing a bit more to get the correct support for your weight and build. An adjustable bed can be a real comfort-bringer, especially for those with a medical condition that restricts movement. People with arthritis, spinal disorders and rheumatic pain could find that an orthopaedic adjustable bed really makes a difference by improving sleep quality, while helping them to get in and out of bed, too.

A riser recliner chair is a good option for daytime use. The choice of positions maximises comfort and relieves pain. And it will also help you to get in and out of the chair without assistance.

Those who have been advised to elevate their legs when sitting down, perhaps because of a heart condition that is leading to swelling, will also appreciate the ability to put their feet up easily.