A simple way to reduce pain and depression in the elderly has been identified

Researchers from the University of Missouri, led by Yunjin Tracy, have shown that maintaining a regular daily routine is associated with lower levels of physical pain and depression in older adults — regardless of the quality of their sleep. The study was published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine (JBM).

According to the U.S. National Council on Aging, about half of people over the age of 60 experience symptoms of insomnia. The scientists analyzed survey data from 67 older adults, 37 of whom had been diagnosed with insomnia, to understand how the regularity of daily rhythms — sleep schedules, mealtimes, work, social contacts — is related to physical and psychological well-being.

"Regardless of sleep quality, those who maintained a regular daily routine showed lower levels of physical pain and fewer signs of depression compared to those who did not have a routine," Tracy noted.

Maintaining a regular schedule for waking up, eating, working, social interactions, and going to bed helps synchronize the body's circadian rhythms. This stabilizing effect was observed regardless of how well a person actually slept.

Participants with insomnia overall reported higher levels of pain and depression than those who slept well. However, maintaining a stable routine helped mitigate these negative effects even in people with sleep disorders.

The authors conclude that regularity of daily activity can serve as an accessible and effective strategy for improving the physical and mental health of older adults — even when sleep problems persist and cannot be directly addressed.