According to researchers at the University of Missouri, maintaining regular times for waking up, eating, socialising and going to bed may help keep the body's circadian rhythm aligned.
The team said many people alter these routines at weekends, creating what is commonly known as social jetlag. This disruption may affect the body's normal biological functions.
The researchers therefore recommend keeping daily schedules as consistent as possible throughout the week. They also argue that overall health should be considered across the entire 24-hour day rather than focusing solely on nighttime sleep.
Less pain and fewer depressive symptoms
The study, published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, involved 67 adults aged 60 and older. Of those participants, 37 reported symptoms of insomnia.
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As expected, people with insomnia were more likely to experience pain and depressive symptoms than those without sleep difficulties.
The researchers also found that participants with more consistent daily routines reported lower levels of pain and fewer signs of depression, regardless of how well they slept.
According to the study, the findings indicate that maintaining a predictable daily routine could be a simple way to support both physical and mental well-being among older adults.
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