A large number of seniors have trouble sleeping. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that impacts seniors. When seniors have insomnia, they can suffer from increased health problems. Improving sleep is vital to overall health and well-being. 24-hour home care can help your senior feel comfortable and safe in their home while sleeping.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to sleep disorders in seniors like:
- Medication
- Stress or life events
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Living alone
- Aging
- Medical conditions
- Alcohol use
According to experts, seniors should get anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep at night to be well-rested and healthy. Sleep is when the brain performs important functions like processing memory. So, when seniors aren’t getting enough sleep their brains aren’t working the way they should.
The health consequences of poor sleep can be severe. Obesity, heart disease, and other health conditions are often worse in seniors that don’t get enough sleep. One thing that helps many seniors sleep better is 24-hour home care. Seniors that have 24-hour home care can sleep deeply knowing someone is awake and in the house with them all night. Other things that seniors can do to improve their quality of sleep are:
Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine
Seniors who have a regular bedtime and wake up time tend to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. This routine helps regulate the body’s internal clock. It also helps seniors develop a more natural sleep-wake cycle. Consistency in sleep patterns can improve sleep quality. Seniors also may find it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
Make The Bedroom A Safe And Comfortable Space
Seniors can’t sleep in a room that isn’t comfortable. The bedroom should be quiet, cozy, and dark. Seniors may find earplugs, eye masks, or white noise machines useful to block out external disturbances. Keep the room at a cool temperature and use comfortable bedding and supportive pillows.
Stop Drinking Caffeine At Night
Seniors should be avoiding all kinds of stimulants including caffeine after a certain time. Most seniors stop drinking coffee or black tea before 5 P.M. so that the caffeine doesn’t interfere with their sleep. Seniors also should avoid smoking or drinking alcohol before bed because they can also interfere with sleep.
Get Regular Exercise
One of the many benefits seniors get from regular exercise is better sleep. When seniors get around 30 minutes of physical exercise every day it can help them fall asleep faster at night. Exercise helps reduce stress, increase serotonin levels, and improve sleep quality. But seniors should not exercise in the late evening or at night because that can make it harder to sleep.
Avoid Daytime Napping
Naps are great, but they can really throw off a senior’s nighttime sleep schedule. If seniors aren’t sleeping well at night they may need a nap during the day. But daytime naps should be limited to about 20-30 minutes. Napping longer than that can make it tougher for seniors to fall asleep at night. Naps can be a way for seniors to catch up on sleep while they work on managing insomnia. But they shouldn’t be considered a permanent sleep solution.
Sources:
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/0501/p2551.html
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/aging-and-sleep
https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/sleep-disorders/patient-resources/patient-education/sleep-older
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Fort Worth, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Bosque County, Hill County, Navarro County, Henderson County, Erath County, Somervell County, Johnson County, Ellis County, Parker County, Tarrant County, Dallas County, Kaufman County, Rains County, Hood County, VanZandt County, and Rockwall County in Texas.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment - May 23, 2024
- Unexpected Ways Companion Care Can Help Your Mom - May 14, 2024
- Rituals to Help a Senior Practice Mindfulness Everyday - May 9, 2024
