The Significance of Good Sleep for Seniors in Eldersburg, MD and Surrounding Areas
At-home caregivers from Visiting Angels help seniors in Eldersburg, Westminster, Ellicott City, Randallstown, Columbia, Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities adopt habits that can help them get a good night’s sleep
In our modern world, it is all too common for adults to develop some kind of sleep disorder. The problem has become so widespread that the American Sleep Association estimates there are up to 70 million people struggling with sleep disorders in the US alone. Many of them are seniors.
At Visiting Angels Eldersburg, we can provide insight into the causes and health risks of sleep deprivation in the elderly. In addition, our at-home caregivers can help your loved one take on nighttime rituals that will improve their ability to sleep at night.
What Happens When We Fall Asleep?
As we sleep, the brain cycles through two phases - non-REM and REM (rapid-eye-movement) sleep. The first cycle, non-REM, is divided into stages – from the onset of sleep to deep-sleep stages. Non-REM is the phase of sleep with the most restorative properties, crucial for learning and memory.
Shifting to REM, our muscles shut down while our eyes move rapidly behind closed lids – hence the name rapid-eye-movement sleep. It is a phase in which we start dreaming, necessary for restoring energy to the brain and body.
When sleep is frequently interrupted during the night, the body has to start the sleeping cycle all over again. As a consequence, the person is not permitted to reach the deep, restorative phases of sleep, much-needed for maintaining regular bodily functions.
Causes of Sleeplessness in the Elderly in Eldersburg and Surrounding Areas
Most aging adults do not sleep as soundly as in their youth. Recent scientific research found that as much as 44 percent of seniors show symptoms of insomnia more than once a week. That is nearly half of our elderly population.
Health issues, medication, frequent urination, and sleep apnea are just some of the most common reasons for sleeplessness in seniors. Those afflicted with chronic aches such as arthritis, muscular atrophy, or heart problems very often have a hard time falling asleep too. Degenerative brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s also contribute to recurring sleep disturbances.
Sleep Deprivation – A Serious Health Risks for Seniors
While symptoms of poor sleep such as moodiness or grumpiness are usually gone within a day after sleep patterns return to normal, problems may arise when chronic sleeplessness leads to sleep deprivation.
This can cause a number of health complications in the elderly, including:
- Cognitive issues
- Impaired immune system
- Heart disease risk
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression or anxiety
Sensible Tips for Quality Sleep from Visiting Angels Eldersburg
Seniors who have difficulty falling asleep might want to try changing some of their daily routines and introducing new ones.
At Visiting Angels Eldersburg, our professional at-home caregivers can help your loved one sleep soundly at night by encouraging them to:
- Setting a daily schedule that will include waking up and going to bed at the same hour
- Refraining from drinking coffee and caffeine beverages later in the afternoon
- Staying active and going outdoors as often as possible
- Relaxing in a warm bath before bedtime
- Avoiding daytime naps
- Cooling the bedroom
- Turning off lighting, TV, and all devices
Should your senior loved one complain about sleeplessness, urge them to schedule an appointment with their physician while you can opt to consult with professional at-home caregivers from Visiting Angels Eldersburg. Usually something as simple as an adjustment in medication schedule or dose can solve the problem, helping Mom or Dad get a good night’s rest.
To learn how we can help your loved one, contact our Eldersburg, MD office today.