Sleep is important for health and well-being at every stage of life, but many older people have trouble getting the good sleep they used to get. Thankfully, with home care assistance services, seniors gain a better understanding of how sleep changes with age and what they can do to improve their chances of getting a good night’s rest.
The Science Behind Changing Sleep Patterns
As people age, their circadian rhythm, which controls the sleep-wake cycle, changes on its own. The result is that many seniors get tired earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning than they did when they were younger. Additionally, they spend less time in deep sleep, which means that even when they get enough sleep, they feel less rested.
Some changes occur within the body that impact the ability to get a good night’s rest. For instance, the body makes less melatonin with age, which is the hormone that supports sleep. Not only that, but health problems that are common in many seniors, such as arthritis, heartburn, and breathing problems, might make them uncomfortable and keep them from sleeping well at night. Add to that the fact that many older people are prescribed medication that impacts their sleep or makes them get up at night to go to the bathroom, and it’s easy to see why they’re not getting the rest they need.
Other Challenges to Sleeping Well
Along with biological changes, seniors’ sleep is deeply affected by their way of living. Reduced physical activity during the day can leave older adults without the healthy fatigue that promotes deep sleep. Social isolation and loneliness, unfortunately common among this age group, can lead to anxiety and depression that make falling asleep more difficult.
The environment is important too. Many seniors live in homes with inadequate lighting, uncomfortable temperatures, or cluttered bedrooms that aren’t conducive to rest. Without someone to help maintain routines or adjust their living space, these obstacles can persist and worsen over time.
How Home Care Assistance Helps
With home care assistance, seniors are able to not only create a better environment for sleeping but also learn how the choices they make throughout the day impact their ability to sleep soundly. Caregivers also help them stick to normal daily routines, including going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, that fit with their natural rhythms instead of against them.
Some of the many ways that caregivers help improve seniors’ chances of sleeping better include encouraging them to remain active during the day, whether it’s a morning stroll, light stretching, or doing chores around the house. Additionally, they help ensure seniors eat a balanced diet and don’t drink caffeine late in the day, both of which might affect how well they sleep.
As mentioned, they can also make recommendations regarding the bedroom environment, such as adjusting lighting so it’s not as jarring, making sure the room is the right temperature, and helping seniors declutter the space so it is more calming. They can also encourage seniors to talk with their medical team if they’re concerned about how their medications are impacting their sleep.
It is also worth noting that simply having home care assistance in the home helps seniors feel less anxious and lonely. As a result, they’re often able to fall asleep faster, as they have something to look forward to the next day.
With home care assistance, seniors can better deal with the issue impacting their sleep and finally get the restorative rest they need.
Sources: https://bluemoonseniorcounseling.com/when-rest-never-feels-restful-for-seniors/
https://www.direcc.org/post/the-power-of-sleep-for-seniors-how-rest-impacts-health-at-every-age
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/sleep-and-older-adults
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance Services in La Jolla, CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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