It isn’t uncommon for a person to have a fluctuating schedule throughout the week. However, research from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa suggests that we should make more of an effort to maintain a consistent daily routine if we want better sleep.
Reuters reported that the study included data on 50 adults between the ages of 18 and 30, as well as 50 adults who were 60-95 years old. For 2 weeks, the study participants kept a diary to record their daily activities, such as when they woke up, when they went outside, when they went to work, when they had dinner and when they went to sleep. They also wrote down how well they slept after each night.
Results concluded that what time an activity was performed, such as going to the gym, had little impact on sleep; compared to if they went to the gym at the same time every day. The consistency of the activities performed was a better indicator of how well the volunteer slept that night. The study participants reported better sleep quality and fewer awakenings if their daily routine stayed the same.
On the other hand, for older adults an inconsistent daily routine sometimes lead to better sleep. For example, older adults who ate dinner at different times tended to sleep longer at night.
If you are struggling to get proper sleep at night, try keeping your daily routine the same every day as you record the results in a sleep diary. Other studies have indicated that consistent sleep and wake times do work wonders for sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep with no interruptions and you will be able to feel the difference!
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