This is National Sleep Awareness week.
Today Senior Lifestyle Concierge wanted to share with you why it is so important as we age to get sufficient sleep. As we get older we have more difficulty sleeping, less time in a deeper state of sleep(nonREM sleep), and awakening early in the mornings, therefore reducing the number of hours we sleep. This can leave us drowsy and fatigue throughout the day. We may begin taking naps during the day which can possibly lead to insomnia making it harder to go to sleep at night at a proper time. Elderly adults have been known to have more sleeping disorders than younger people. It is highly important for caregivers to be aware of older adults sleep disorders.
What can cause sleep disorders?
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Medication
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Acute or Chronic Illness
As a caregiver of an elderly person what can you do to prevent this?
- Set a night schedule.
- Avoid caffeine especially at nighttime.
- Create a relaxed environment. Turn the lights off and turn the TV off.
- Read a book or doing something relaxing to calm their mind.
- Get outside when the sun is shining bright in the mornings.
- Add some exercise to their daily living.
- Avoid at all cost taking sedative medication at night.
- Seek medical attention if sleep disorders persist.
As we reach daylight savings time, ( Sunday, March 9 ), it is important to start fresh and create a nightly routine in order for not only your loved ones, and patients to get better sleep but you as a caregiver get more rest and peace of mind.
Get more information and tips for a better restful night here.
