A new study has found that establishing a regular daily routine can help alleviate body pain and symptoms of depression, thereby improving quality of life. This research highlights how lifestyle habits can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health, especially for the elderly suffering from insomnia.
According to a press release from the University of Missouri on July 28th, data from the National Council on Aging in the United States shows that about half of seniors aged 60 and older report experiencing symptoms of insomnia.
To better understand how insomnia affects overall health, Assistant Professor Tracy from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri analyzed survey data from 67 elderly individuals, including 37 who were insomnia patients.
The results revealed that these insomnia patients reported higher levels of pain and symptoms of depression. On the other hand, participants who maintained regular daily routines often experienced lower levels of pain and depression. Tracy suggested that one reason for this correlation may be that regular routines help synchronize the body’s internal clock.
Tracy stated, “By maintaining a regular schedule for waking up, eating, working or studying, social interactions, and bedtime, these time signals help synchronize our biological clock internally. In the long run, this seems to be related to improved health conditions.”
These daily habits assist in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm – influencing sleep, mood, and other biological functions controlled by the internal biological clock.
Tracy explained, “When we can regulate our circadian rhythm well, the body functions properly. However, if the circadian rhythm is severely disrupted, the body’s functions can be impaired.”
Even subtle changes in daily routines can disrupt the body’s internal clock, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “social jet lag.” Tracy emphasized that maintaining regular daily habits helps minimize such disruptions.
As a person with a fixed daily schedule, Tracy noted that she believes regular daily routines are beneficial for people of all ages.
She mentioned that there is a growing awareness of “social jet lag” (inconsistent sleeping patterns between weekends and weekdays) and its disruptions to the biological clock. She hopes this research will encourage more people to recognize the health benefits of maintaining regular routines.
She said, “Since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, I think when conducting research on health and well-being, we should take a comprehensive 24-hour view rather than just focusing on wakeful states.”
The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
It is worth noting that an irregular wake-up time each day can also increase the risk of “social jet lag.” This situation may increase the likelihood of inflammation and depression.
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