Research from the University of Missouri indicates that maintaining a consistent daily routine can significantly benefit both physical and mental health in older adults. The study shows that those who adhered to regular schedules experienced less physical pain and fewer depressive symptoms, including those suffering from insomnia.
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About half of adults aged 60 and older report insomnia symptoms, according to the National Council on Aging. Eunjin Tracy, an assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development, analyzed survey responses from 67 older adults, 37 of whom experienced insomnia.
As expected, participants with insomnia reported higher levels of pain and pronounced depressive symptoms. However, Tracy discovered a key pattern: those who kept regular daily routines had lower pain and depression levels, independent of their sleep quality.
Tracy explained, "Regardless of sleep quality, those who reported having a regular daily routine had lower levels of physical pain and less depression compared to those without a daily routine. Consistency in waking up, eating, working, socializing, and going to bed helps synchronize our internal body clocks, which seems linked with improved health outcomes."
The study highlights that regular activities provide cues that help regulate the circadian rhythm, which is crucial for sleep, mood, and various bodily functions. Disruptions to this biological clock can lead to poor functioning, and even minor differences in weekend versus weekday schedules can contribute to what researchers refer to as social jet lag.
Tracy advises that maintaining a similar routine throughout the week may lessen such disruptions and enhance bodily synchronization. She stated, "As someone who wakes up and goes to bed at the same time every day, I believe a daily routine can benefit people of all ages. Growing awareness of social jet lag emphasizes how inconsistencies affect our circadian rhythm, which can enhance understanding of the health advantages of a daily routine."
The findings suggest that establishing predictable daily rhythms can be a straightforward strategy to promote health, particularly for older adults facing insomnia. Tracy advocates for a broader approach to health and well-being research, arguing that it should account for daily activities and their impact on the internal clock.
The study, titled "Behavioral-social rhythms and insomnia symptoms: associations with pain, body mass index, and depressive symptoms among older adults," was published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.