American researchers at the University of Missouri have found that a predictable daily routine of waking, eating, and sleeping reduces physical pain and symptoms of depression in older adults with insomnia, according to infohub.kz.
As ScienceDaily reports, Eunjin Tracy, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri’s College of Education and Human Development, analyzed survey responses from 67 older volunteers, 37 of whom had insomnia. According to the National Council on Aging in the U.S., about half of people over 60 experience sleep disorders.
Participants with insomnia more often reported pain and depressive symptoms. However, researchers identified an important pattern: those who maintained a consistent daily routine reported less physical pain and fewer negative emotions, regardless of how well they slept at night.
Tracy explained that waking, eating, working, socializing, and going to bed at the same time each day helps synchronize the body's circadian rhythms. Disruptions to the biological clock and the so-called "social jetlag" caused by schedule changes on weekends can worsen well-being.
The authors emphasize that a predictable daily rhythm is a simple way to maintain health and support healthy aging.