Health experts have issued a warning to people in their 50s and 60s, urging them not to overlook a common condition that can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This condition, often dismissed as a normal part of ageing, is poor sleep.
Why Sleep Matters More as You Age
According to Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity and sleep expert for Simba, sleep is just as important as diet and exercise for overall health, especially in midlife. She explains: "Midlife is a key period for sleep because it is often when the risk of long-term health conditions starts to rise. For people in their 50s and 60s, poor sleep should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing."
Regularly sleeping badly has been linked with a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, low mood, and anxiety. It can also make existing health conditions harder to manage.
The Prevalence of Sleep Issues
Research by Simba reveals how common sleep problems are. A survey found that 69 percent of Brits have issues sleeping, including 80 percent of those aged 16 to 24 and 77 percent of those aged 35 to 44. Stress, financial pressures, work demands, and social anxieties are among the biggest drivers.
Ms. Artis stressed: "Sleep deserves to be treated as seriously as diet and exercise, especially later in life. One poor night is not the issue, but repeatedly losing out on good-quality sleep can put extra pressure on the body and affect how well people recover, regulate stress, and manage their health."
The Cumulative Effect of Poor Sleep
Poor sleep can have major consequences, as sleep is when the body and brain rest, repair, and reset. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to manage existing health issues, impacting energy, concentration, appetite, stress levels, and emotional resilience. "Even losing a small amount of quality sleep regularly can build up over time. People may not notice the effect straight away, but repeated poor sleep can gradually affect how well the body and mind cope day to day," Ms. Artis added.
This is particularly concerning for older adults, who may already be dealing with factors that affect sleep, such as menopause symptoms, long-term pain, stress, caring responsibilities, medication, or existing health conditions. "If sleep is poor on top of that, it can make daily life harder. It can reduce resilience, affect mood and concentration, and make it harder to keep up with healthy routines such as regular movement, balanced meals, and managing stress," she said.
Tips for Better Sleep
To improve sleep, experts recommend staying consistent with bedtime and wake time, even on weekends. Reducing caffeine intake later in the day and limiting alcohol close to bedtime can also help. Ensuring the bedroom is cool, dark, and comfortable, and getting natural daylight in the mornings are additional tips.
Ms. Artis concluded: "These small habits repeated consistently are usually more effective than one big change and easy to make to your daily routine bit by bit."
