Sleep habits naturally change as people age, which can lead to a variety of sleep difficulties. Seniors frequently have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep. Unfortunately, poor sleep can lead to a number of health problems, including memory loss, reduced immunity, and an increased chance of falling. Companion care at home can help seniors improve their sleep quality and general well-being.

Common Sleep Issues for Seniors

Many seniors struggle with sleep disruptions, which are commonly caused by factors such as:

  • Insomnia: Insomnia is defined as trouble falling or staying asleep. It is a frequent concern of many seniors caused by things such as anxiety, sadness, medications, or persistent pain.
  • Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing regularly stops and begins during sleep, can result in poor sleep and increased health risks such as heart disease and hypertension.
  • Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): RLS generates unpleasant sensations in the legs, resulting in an uncontrolled impulse to move them, particularly at night, which can severely interrupt sleep.
  • Circadian Rhythm Changes: Aging changes the body's natural clock, causing seniors to feel drowsy in the evenings and awake sooner in the mornings.
  • Repeated Nighttime Urination: Many seniors get up several times a night to go to the bathroom. This could be caused by medical issues such as diabetes or an enlarged prostate. Getting up regularly like this interferes with their sleep as a whole.

How Companion Care at Home Can Help Seniors Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Companion care at home provides essential support for seniors in developing healthier sleep patterns and managing underlying concerns that interfere with their sleep. Here are a few ways caregivers can help:

Promoting a Healthy Sleep Routine: Caregivers can help seniors maintain a consistent sleep routine by encouraging them to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. They can also help seniors develop a peaceful nighttime routine that helps the body know that it's time to sleep.

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Companion care at home can assess the sleeping area and offer recommendations that promote better sleep, such as altering lighting, temperature, and noise levels. Additionally, having a comfortable mattress and pillows makes a significant impact.

Providing Medication Reminders: Some medications might disrupt sleep. Caregivers can remind seniors to take their medications at the appropriate times and keep track of any side effects that may affect their sleep quality.

Encouraging Daytime Activities: A sedentary lifestyle can make it difficult to sleep. Caregivers should encourage frequent physical activity, such as brief walks or stretching exercises, to improve sleep.

Reduced Evening Stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, and large meals close to bedtime can impair sleep. Caregivers can assist seniors in making healthy nighttime choices that promote peaceful sleep.

Offering Emotional Support: Anxiety and loneliness can cause sleepless nights. Companion care at home provides companionship and emotional support, which reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

Monitoring and Addressing Sleep Issues: Caregivers can monitor sleep habits and notify family members or healthcare providers if issues persist. Early detection of sleep disturbances ensures timely intervention.

Quality sleep is critical to seniors' general health and well-being. Companion care at home offers valuable support, helping seniors establish appropriate sleep patterns, create a pleasant environment, and more. With the right plan in place, seniors can have more peaceful nights and improved overall health.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Marina Del Ray, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/sleep-problems/basic-facts

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.healthline.com/health/sleep/sleep-disorders-in-the-elderly