Older people face many health and lifestyle challenges that affect their lives. Lack of sleep is one of the prevalent problems. Some experience sleep problems due to medication side effects, while others wake up frequently because of pain. Health problems can also make older people sleep earlier or wake up too soon compared to when they were younger.
Sleep deprivation can cause problems for older persons both now and in the future. Therefore, they should seek help when they start having irregular sleep patterns. This article will discuss age-related sleep problems and how to improve them.
Insomnia
Many older people who have trouble sleeping suffer from insomnia. This condition makes them struggle to fall asleep or wake up often at night. Others wake up too early in the morning and can’t go back to sleep. Insomnia can make older adults sleepy during the day, making it hard to focus or stay active. This problem can also cause stress because one may worry that they may not fall asleep even if they lie in bed for hours.
Insomnia sometimes goes away without the need for professional medical care. However, for some older people, it might last a long time and affect their health and wellbeing. If that is the case, seniors need help to restore regular sleeping patterns and achieve the recommended number of hours.
One option that seniors with sleep problems consider is to talk to a doctor for treatment. Moving to a senior living community is also a great solution. Senior living facilities create a conducive environment that can enable seniors to have quality sleep. The residents enjoy social and physical activities to stay engaged. Caregivers also guide seniors in developing healthy bedtime habits to ensure they get enough sleep.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea happens when a person stops breathing for short moments when sleeping. The affected seniors usually feel tired during the day because they do not have enough sleep at night. How can someone know they have this problem? Signs of sleep apnea include excessive sleep during the day, night sweats, snoring, and restless sleep.
Often, family members and caregivers notice the problem first. Therefore, they advise the affected people to seek medication before the problem causes other health complications. A healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, advise one to change their sleep positions or prescribe medications or devices that will enable seniors to get better quality sleep.
Mobility Disorders
Mobility disorders can make it difficult to move during the day and disrupt sleep at night. What’s the solution to mobility challenges? Seniors experiencing this problem should consult a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. A doctor or an occupational therapist recommends exercise, lifestyle adjustments to improve mobility and relaxation, and medication to control discomfort. A relaxing nighttime routine, less coffee, and regular exercise can also be beneficial.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related illnesses can change sleep patterns. Some people may sleep too much or too little. Others might wake up often, wander around, or act out in their sleep. This challenge can affect seniors and their caregivers because of the related safety risk.
Therefore, those facing this problem should seek medical advice and treatment. Healthcare providers can prescribe medication or measures to improve sleep quality. In some cases, creating a consistent routine, ensuring exposure to natural light during the day, and using calming techniques at night can help resolve the problem.
Sleep problems in older people can affect their health and, in severe cases, shorten their life. The good news is that professionals have solutions to these problems.
Therefore, older adults with sleep problems should consult a specialist when they notice these signs. The doctor will diagnose the condition, determine the cause, and suggest solutions to improve sleep quality. Moving to a senior living community can also provide additional support to maintain healthy routines and improve their quality of life.
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