The Importance of Getting a Good Night's Sleep for Seniors in Annapolis, MD and Surrounding Areas

At Visiting Angels, our private home care services encourage seniors in Annapolis, Millersville, Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Arnold and surrounding areas in Maryland to get more restful sleep at night

Sleep is important for people of all ages and its value doesn’t diminish as we age. In fact, seniors need it in order to maintain their physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many 0older adults suffer from a sleep disorder.  It can be caused by health issues, medication, frequent urination and sleep apnea. In addition, seniors who experience pain caused by arthritis or heart problems also find it difficult to fall asleep at night.

Nowadays, 50-70 million adults suffer from a sleep disorder. If your parent is experiencing these problems, our private home care services might help them restore normal sleep patterns.

Sleep Deprivation Poses Health Risks for Seniors

One sleepless night can even affect people and make them cranky and moody. Therefore, it is no wonder that chronic sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on a senior’s health. Here are just some ways sleep deprivation poses health risks.

• Cognitive Impairment. During deep stages of sleep the brain is restored and new brain cells are produced. However, too little sleep prevents this from happening and leads to impaired memory and loss of ability to process information.
• Weakened Immunity. Sleep deprivation can cause a weakened immune system. When this occurs, the body is no longer capable of fighting colds and bacterial infections.  Seniors with already diminishing immune systems can be even more affected by lack of sleep.
• Greater Heart Disease Risk. Lack of sleep causes increased blood pressure levels, which are linked with heart disease and other health issues.
• Increased Risk of Obesity. Sleep deprivation can increase the appetite for sugary foods and carbohydrates, so it can lead to obesity.
• Diabetes. When a body doesn’t get enough sleep, it produces less insulin that regulates blood sugar levels. This is why seniors with sleep deprivation are more prone to developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Anxiety and/or Depression. Lack of sleep can cause depression, sadness and anger.

Tips for Better Sleep from Visiting Angels Annapolis

With help from our private home care providers, your loved one can regain a good night’s sleep. Some techniques, such as setting a daily schedule and sticking to it, avoiding late-night coffee and taking a warm bath before bed can help your loved one establish normal sleep patterns. Our caregivers can make sure your parent spends some time outside on a daily basis, so their body is able to tell the difference between day and night.

With our private home care services, your loved one can achieve a greater quality of life. Contact our Millersville, MD office today to learn more about our senior care services.