One of the best ways for the body to heal, regain energy, and stay clear-headed is to sleep. However, many older adults find it increasingly difficult to achieve a restful, full night’s sleep. The good news is that those receiving in-home care can get the answers they need and support in creating a nighttime routine that works so they can once again enjoy a good night’s rest.
Why Sleep Changes as People Age
While one might think the older generation needs less sleep, that is simply not true. Seniors still need seven to nine hours of good sleep each night, but the ability to achieve that goal decreases with age. This is due to changes that occur with age, such as a decrease in melatonin production, the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. This makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep all night.
Older people also tend to have lighter sleep stages, which means that noise, discomfort, or the need to go to the bathroom can wake them up more easily. These problems may not seem like a big deal, but over time, they add up and have a big effect on health.
Common Conditions That Disrupt Sleep
Many common health problems in older adults can quietly undermine the quality of their sleep. Those who provide in-home care understand this and work to spot patterns, offer smart solutions, and educate seniors on the “why” behind their disrupted sleep.
Common conditions that can do the most damage include the following:
- Arthritis and Chronic Pain: Seniors with arthritis or chronic pain may have trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position, which may cause them to wake up many times during the night.
- Heart Disease: Heart failure and other heart problems can make it hard to breathe when lying flat, which can disrupt deep sleep cycles.
- Diabetes: Changing blood sugar levels can make one restless, sweaty, and need to go to the bathroom multiple times a night.
- Depression and Anxiety: Mental health is closely linked to insomnia and waking up early, which makes it difficult to break the cycle of bad sleep.
- Sleep Apnea: Often undiagnosed in older adults, this condition causes repeated pauses in breathing, leading to fragmented, unrefreshing sleep.
Caregivers can also help seniors create a relaxing bedtime routine by dimming the lights, reducing screen time, and encouraging activities that help them relax, like light reading or gentle stretching. Additionally, they make sure that medications are taken at the right time, since some prescriptions can make it hard to sleep if taken too late in the day.
Trusted Conversations
Seniors with in-home care also benefit from having a trusted companion by their side with whom they can discuss their concerns. In that conversation, caregivers can provide valuable education and encouragement to talk with their medical team to ensure there are no underlying conditions that are causing sleep disturbances.
Not getting enough sleep goes beyond just feeling tired. It can increase the risk of falls, impair cognitive functioning, weaken the immune system, and worsen chronic conditions. Thankfully, with in-home care services by their side, seniors gain a better understanding of why a good night’s sleep is important and the support needed to ensure they get it.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care in Carrboro, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
Sources:
- https://www.gaucherdisease.org/blog/the-importance-of-sleep/
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/sleep-statistics-older-adults/
- https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-45
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