A consistent daily routine may offer meaningful benefits for both physical and mental health, according to new research from the University of Missouri. The study found that older adults who followed regular daily schedules reported less physical pain and fewer symptoms of depression, including those who experienced insomnia.
The findings suggest that everyday patterns, such as waking, eating, working, socializing, and going to bed at similar times, may support better overall well-being.
Insomnia, Pain, and Depression
About half of adults age 60 and older experience symptoms of insomnia, according to the National Council on Aging. To examine how sleep difficulties relate to health and quality of life, Eunjin Tracy, an assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development, studied survey responses from 67 older adults. Of those participants, 37 had insomnia.
As researchers expected, the adults with insomnia generally reported more pain and stronger symptoms of depression. However, Tracy also identified an important pattern across the group. Participants who maintained regular daily routines tended to experience less pain and depression, regardless of how well they slept.
