5 Truths About Aging and the Importance of Sleep

For many men 50 and over, the affects of aging, albeit inevitable, are just a fact of life. But we don’t have to accept this lying down (pun intended). We have options available with practices, products and lifestyles that may not reverse the aging process, but might slow it down a bit. In our continuing anti-aging series, we take a look at 5 Truths About Aging and the Importance of Sleep.

How much sleep do you really need?

If you are a man over 50 and are starting to worry about the effects of aging, here is a little secret: getting a good night sleep is just as crucial as any diet, exercise, or skin care regimen. Now, that’s a pretty big claim, but it is one that can easily be backed up. The importance of a good night’s sleep has been scientifically proven to reduce the effects of aging.

There are many health risks associated with poor sleep. Lack of beneficial sleep patterns can significantly affect your body and mind in more ways than one. Poor sleep quality is linked to many diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, dementia, depression, and heart disease. While many people assume that these health ailments are part of the process of aging, sleep experts argue that these illnesses are not inevitable. The truth is that good sleep and aging well are closely interconnected.

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Five reasons why sleeping well can keep you healthy, looking young, and living longer.

1. Sleeping well reduces wrinkles.
   Good sleep is the equivalent to the fountain of youth because sleep improves complexion, decreases wrinkles, and depuffs eyes. Contrary to popular belief, the body doesn’t actually slow down when you sleep, rather when you are deeply resting the body is hard at work repairing itself and producing collagen which helps tighten and plump your skin. Men over 50 who get less than the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night are likely to get twice as many wrinkles than men who get the appropriate amount of sleep.
2. Sleeping well enhances concentration and memory.
   Deep sleep (sometimes called slow wave sleep) enhances cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and attention which allows you to keep mentally sharp longer. People assume that mental slowness is just part of aging, but this is not necessarily true. More often than not, slow problem solving or memory skills is a sign of poor sleep. The best way to keep your brain sharp and even decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia is to consistently practice healthy sleep habits and patterns.
3. Sleeping well reduces the risk of chronic illnesses and other diseases.
   People who don’t sleep well enough or long enough are up to 33% more at risk of dementia. Poor sleep also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses such as auto immune disorders, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and other chronic ailments. Unfortunately, chronic disease is increasingly becoming a factor in expedited aging and early death. However quality sleep not only turns back the clock on these risks, but it also decreases the risk of depression, loneliness, and other mental illnesses.
4. Sleeping well allows your brain to detox the glymphatic system.
   Chances are you have heard of skin detoxes, diet detoxes, and gut detoxes, but did you know the brain needs to detox, also? The glymphatic system is the biological channel responsible for constantly filtering toxins from the brain, however when you are awake this system is essentially turned off. The glymphatic system does its best work to drain toxic buildup within your brain when you are fast asleep. As you can imagine, if the brain is not consistently and adequately detoxified, the build up can lead to many of the illnesses associated with aging such as forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, and brain fog.
5. Sleeping well boosts your metabolism.
   Metabolism naturally slows down as we age, but the change should not be drastic. If you are constantly feeling the effects of a slow metabolism such as sluggish energy, weight gain, slowed digestion, or bloating, then getting better sleep may be the answer to your problem. Sleep is a critical component of a healthy metabolism, and that is why many dietary practitioners advocate for resting and digesting.

Final Thoughts on 5 Truths About Aging and the Importance of Sleep

When it comes to aging, the importance of sleep and aging cannot be underestimated. Prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep each night is one of the best things men over 50 can do to slow down the effects of aging and improve their quality of life. The process of subconscious rejuvenation is critical for proper biological recuperation. Not only does quality sleep turn back the clock, but it is also a natural mood booster. If you want to feel healthier and happier, then getting a better night sleep should be top on your to-do list.

For more medical information on sleep disorders or tips on how to get a better night sleep, consult this helpful page from the National Institute on Aging. And if you are interested in taking your anti-aging goals one step further, read up on the best anti-aging skin care products for men.

We hope that you’ve found some useful information with our piece on 5 Truths About Aging and the Importance of Sleep. If you don’t see something here you want us to cover, feel free to reach out to us directly through our Contact page or leave a comment below. Stay healthy and young!