There is a lot to learn about generational sleeping that can coincide with different signs of sleep disorders or conditions. This three-part series looks closely at the different generations broken into three categories: baby boomers and Generation X; xennials and millennials; and Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
Why do generations exist? What is the purpose of separating age groups into generations?
Collectively, a U.S. generational cohort is composed of individuals born in a time span dictated or grouped by historical events roughly occurring during similar life cycles. Like a social class or culture, generational cohorts acquire traits and preferences common to the group.
The Pew Research Center defines a 15-to-20-year time span as a generational group or cohort with the added caveat of the definition of generation; date of birth cannot be the only definition as historical events and popular culture paired with individual demographics shape their cohort. Though individuals do not experience life events in the same context, this grouping brings similarities to the case of social system and structure.
Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers make up 76 million of the current U.S. population. Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers are thought to be largely influenced by American-based historical events like the Kennedy assassination. Seen as formal and team-oriented, Baby Boomers have career goals of long-term stability with clear hierarchical structures.
Technological communication methods most comfortable to this group were phone and fax before they were introduced to email, Internet and Intranet communication, and video communication. A large number in this cohort have needed to adjust their ways and methods of work due to information communication technology and future generations entering the workplace.
Generation X
Born between 1965 to 1980, Generation Xers have been influenced by historical events like the AIDS epidemic and U.S. corporate downsizing along with the experience of the first influx of divorced households. Due to their experience of disappointment, they are more cynical, informal, and self-reliant.
Though a misconception about the relaxed work environment and working from home flexibility, it was the Generation Xers, not Millennials that started this trend. Gen Xers embraced email, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, and other tools to support flexibility; however, this generation received the first expectation of working around the clock when email and new technology were introduced).
Different from Baby Boomers, their fulfillment comes from both work and their personal lives. Their cynical nature questions authority as they do not trust blindly preferring honest and direct communication from authentic and ethical leaders.
Sleeping Deficiencies – Baby Boomers
When surveyed, Baby Boomers shared that 43% of the reason behind a lack of sound sleep was due to body pain or aches. Another 21% shared they were too warm while sleeping and woke up in the middle of the night.
It is important to understand why you wake up sore, tired, and irritable wondering if you even slept all night. One of the first places to consider is your mattress by asking yourself a few questions:
- When did I purchase my mattress?
- Is it large enough for me and my partner?
- How has my body changed since buying my current mattress?
- Do I sleep better when away from my own bed?
Which mattress is right for this generation group? Memory Foam or Latex is your best choice depending on the ailment. Sleep.org differentiates the two depending on the contour of your body. “Memory foam mattresses are made up of different densities of foam that contour to your body, while latex mattresses are made of rubber that provides firm, consistent support throughout the bed. Both can be found as toppers for any mattress.”
Purchase memory foam if you suffer muscle aches or fatigue as the foam shapes your body. For back issues, latex serves the client needing a firmer fit.
Temperature also matters in the bedroom. For years, your grandma may have told you to add an electric blanket or keep your house warm. But the best environment is a cool environment: about two degrees cooler than normal. Some even recommend a drastic temperature change in the bedroom closer to the mid-60s.
Sleeping Deficiencies – Generation X
This generation is starting to experience body aches and pains plus temperature issues while sleeping. However, this group is also not immune to worry about their finances or their career.
One area that this generation appreciates is trying new things. With so many changes in fast-paced changes in overlapping generations, Xer would benefit from switching up the ambiance in their bedroom. From subtle lighting, bright paint, or soft sounds, there are options for Xer to create an aesthetically pleasing bedroom.
According to essentialoilhaven.com, many have heard of the natural wellness remedy of adding oils to the bedroom. Just as lavender lotions aid the sense of smell, an oil lasts throughout the night enjoyed by you and your partner. But where does one start who is new to oils?
Lavender is a good place to start. With its relaxing scent, the aroma is pleasant and easy to combine with other oils to achieve the perfect mix. Chamomile is mistakenly seen as the next best treatment for insomnia. But as Essential Oil Haven recommends, Roman Chamomile is specifically used as a natural sleep aid. “Roman Chamomile is an ancient herb that can help with your sleeplessness caused by chronic stress, headaches, or nervous disorders.” A final combination of oils is Sweet Marjoram which calms feelings of loneliness or grief. As an additive to lavender and Roman chamomile, all three work together to aid insomnia.
Using these oils together can be tricky so make certain to NEVER ingest but dilute your oils with water in a carrier or diffuser. For a few helpful sleep blend recipes, visit Essential Oil Haven’s website.
Adjusting the temperature in the bedroom and adding a new mattress are two quick steps to help Baby Boomers sleep better. Although a Generation Xer’s sleep schedule can also be distracted by similar issues as Baby Boomers, trying to bring in oils or other feng shui ideas can help balance your sleep.
If you live in Alaska and want to see if a sleep study is right for you, contact The Alaska Sleep Clinic by clicking the link below for a free 10-minute phone call with a sleep educator who can help determine if a sleep study is necessary or if a consultation with our sleep specialist needs to be scheduled.
