Study links regular daily routine to less pain and fewer depression symptoms

Researchers at the University of Missouri in the United States have found that older adults who follow a regular daily schedule report less physical pain and fewer symptoms of depression, even when they have trouble sleeping. The results suggest that everyday habits may matter for both physical and mental health. This is particularly relevant for seniors: according to the National Council on Aging, roughly half of adults aged 60 and older report symptoms of insomnia.

What the study looked at

Eunjin Tracy, an assistant professor in the university's College of Education and Human Development, examined survey responses from 67 older adults. Of these, 37 reported insomnia. As expected, they generally reported more pain and more depression than participants without the condition.

However, a different pattern appeared when daily routines were considered: participants with more consistent schedules reported less pain and fewer depressive symptoms regardless of how well they slept. According to Tracy, keeping regular times for waking, eating, working or studying, socializing and going to bed helps synchronize the body's internal clocks.

A possible explanation

The researchers point to the circadian rhythm, the body's natural 24-hour timing system, as one possible explanation. It influences wakefulness and sleepiness, hormone activity, metabolism and mood. Light and darkness are key cues, but eating, working, social interaction and sleeping also provide timing signals. Irregular schedules can disrupt this coordination.

One example is social jet lag, when a person's sleep schedule shifts between workdays and days off, such as waking early on weekdays but staying up late and sleeping in at weekends. Tracy suggests keeping reasonably consistent schedules all week, including weekends.

Limitations

Because the research relied on survey data from a relatively small group, it cannot prove that adopting a regular routine will relieve pain or depression. Larger studies would be needed to determine that. The study, "Behavioral-social rhythms and insomnia symptoms: associations with pain, body mass index, and depressive symptoms among older adults," was published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.