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

Learn how home care companies like Visiting Angels can help seniors in Aspen Hill, Laurel, Silver Spring, Bethesda and surrounding areas in Maryland improve their ability to get enough sleep at night

Anyone who has ever experienced a sleepless night knows how important sleep is for our overall well-being. The value of sleep doesn’t diminish with years and seniors need the same amount of sleep as they did when they were younger. Unfortunately, many older adults these days suffer from a sleep disorder. In fact, according to the American Sleep Association, 50-70 adults struggle with getting a good night’s sleep. Health problems, certain medications, frequent urination as well as sleep apnea can all cause sleep disorder. Also, seniors who experience pain due to arthritis or health problems can struggle with a lack of sleep.

If your loved one suffers from insomnia, professionals from home care companies like Visiting Angels of Aspen Hill can help them regain a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Deprivation Poses Health Risks for Seniors

In order to stay healthy, seniors need their sleep. Without it they could begin to struggle with any of the following conditions.

• Cognitive Impairment. Without sleep brain stops producing new brain cells and one’s alertness, memory and the ability to process information get impaired.
• Weakened Immunity. Lack of sleep can negatively affect the immune system and decrease the body’s ability to fight colds or bacterial infections. Since seniors already have a weakened immune system, sleep deprivation can cause even bigger problems.
• Greater Heart Disease Risk. When seniors do not get enough sleep their blood pressure levels increase which can lead to serious heart problems.
• Increased Risk of Obesity. People who do not sleep well often crave sugar and carbohydrates, which is why sleep disorder can lead to obesity.
• Diabetes. Since sleep deprivation prevents the body from producing enough insulin that regulates blood sugar, seniors who don’t get enough sleep are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Anxiety and/or Depression. Sleep deprivation can also make a senior become depressed, sad, angry and anxious.

Tips for Better Sleep

Caregivers from home care companies such as Visiting Angels of Aspen Hill can help your loved one regain a good night’s sleep. With some simple strategies such as setting a daily schedule, avoiding late-night coffee, taking a warm bath before the bed, turning off the TV an hour before going to sleep and cooling the bedroom, our senior care providers can help your parent get back on track and maintain a normal sleep pattern. Going for a walk on a daily basis can also help your loved one sleep better. If you are worried about their safety, caregivers from our home care company can keep them company and ensure their well-being.

Taking the necessary steps to improve their sleep can result in your loved one’s greater quality of life. If you wish to learn more about senior care from Visiting Angels of Aspen Hill, please contact our office in Bethesda, MD today.