Everyone has at least a couple special older people in their lives and helping to keep them healthy and happy is a priority. Our older years, after all, should be spent enjoying life and our loved ones. Despite best efforts to age gracefully, however, through exercise, eating well, and keeping brains active, there are often extenuating circumstances beyond anyone’s control that can make getting older a challenge.
Aging can be hard, and one of the great injustices of getting older is that a good night’s sleep becomes more and more elusive. Older adults generally sleep from six to seven hours a night, while sleep experts recommend that those aged 65 and more should aim for from seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Adequate sleep supports physical and mental well-being and is essential for maintaining memory, immune function, and overall health.
A new bed could be the solution, and it doesn’t need to be an expensive one. At Wayman Liquidation Centre located in southeast Calgary, we always have quality mattress liquidation options in stock. Wayman carries brand-new, high-end mattresses from major brand manufacturers ― the very best in the mattress business. Through dealing directly with the major factory here in Calgary, Wayman gets our shoppers amazing deals through long-standing relationships and quantity buying.
Common sleep difficulties for older people
Older adults often experience sleep difficulties. Common issues include:
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is often caused by stress, medications, or chronic pain.
- Sleep apnea: This condition is where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): This uncontrollable urge to move your legs is very disruptive to sleep patterns.
- Frequent nighttime awakenings: Waking up often is caused by reduced deep sleep, medical conditions, or the need to use the washroom.
- Chronic pain or discomfort: Arthritis, back pain, or other conditions can make it difficult to sleep comfortably.
- Depression or anxiety: Mental-health issues can lead to racing thoughts or disrupted sleep.
- Medication side effects: Some medications for chronic conditions can interfere with sleep patterns.
The right type of bed for older people
The right mattress is imperative for getting a good night’s sleep. The type of mattress an older person may prefer is completely dependant on taste, however we at Wayman have resident mattress experts who know exactly the right questions to ask to ensure you are making a fully informed choice. You may think you know what’s best for your sleep, but mattress technology keeps evolving and there are more choices than ever available for all different types of sleepers.
Selecting the right materials is essential for comfort and support. Memory foam mattresses contour to the body and relieve pressure on areas like the hips, lower back, and shoulders. For those who sleep hot, a pocket coil or hybrid mattress may be a better choice as they allow for superior airflow around the body.
The firmness level you choose is level is crucial for spine alignment and pressure relief. While soft mattresses may feel luxurious, they can allow the body to sink too deeply, straining the spine. Medium or firm mattresses provide better support, but they shouldn’t be so firm that they create pressure on sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders. Older people should seek a balance between support and comfort tailored to their sleeping position.
For those who sit or sleep near the edge of the bed, the reinforced edges found in hybrid or innerspring models can prevent sagging, providing better stability over time.
For couples, memory foam and hybrid mattresses minimize disruptions caused by a partner’s movements, meaning a more restful sleep.
In addition, a quiet mattress is critical. Replacing worn-out box springs (which we have in stock here at Wayman) can help minimize noise.
What’s the best size of bed for an older person?
With mattress sale prices every single day at Wayman, you can expect to pay approximately a third of the price than you would at a box store at Wayman.
When you make an appointment to check out the many options we have in stock, you will get the benefit of personalized service from Wayman Liquidation Centre’s resident mattress sales experts. A twin-sized XL bed is a great option for older individuals, and we currently have plenty in stock at excellent prices. Twin beds take up less room, but at 80 inches (203 centimetres) long and 38 inches (96.5 centimetres) wide, they still provide plenty of room to roll over and for taller individuals to stretch out. Their smaller profile allows more room for mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers and leave more space for caregivers to get around and reach individuals to properly assist. The smaller width lets sleepers roll over and get out of bed on either side more easily, which can be very helpful if there are injuries or aches and pains involved.
Adjustable bases are excellent for older people
Twin XL mattresses also work well with adjustable bases, the benefits of which are many, especially for older people. An adjustable base allows sleepers to customize their sleeping position by moving the angle of the head and foot sections of the bed. This way, you can find the most comfortable position for your body while also relieving pressure points and reducing discomfort. They are also very easy to use, with wireless remotes to make changes while you are comfortably tucked underneath the covers so there’s no getting out and back in.
Adjustable bases can also help in speeding up recovery time after an injury.
Book an appointment
Book an appointment at Wayman Services Liquidation Centre for a customized, personalized shopping experience from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and sign up for the newsletter to always be the first to know about the next great deal to be found at frequent sales events.