Sleep is an essential part of staying healthy. However, as people age, their sleep patterns can often change, significantly impacting their comfort and quality of life. For seniors, understanding these changes is vital to helping ensure they get enough rest each night. Here are some common sleep-related issues seniors face and how caregivers can help them overcome them to get a better night's sleep.
Common Sleep Issues That Increase With Age
Seniors often find it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep than younger adults. Underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea or arthritis can make it more difficult to fall asleep, as can disruptions from noise or light. Waking up frequently in the night, waking too early in the morning, and decreasing sleep quality are also other common issues seniors face with age.
Strategies to Help Seniors Sleep Better
Searching for ways to help a senior loved one sleep better at night? Small changes can make a big difference in the quality of their rest. Here are a few tips you can start implementing now.
Establish a Routine
Your senior loved one should follow the same sleep and wake times each day. Generally, this means going to bed at around the same time every night, even on weekends. A relaxing routine of stretching and reading before bed can also assist with relaxing their bodies so they could fall asleep easier.
Help With Comfort
Ensuring your loved one is comfortable in their sleep environment is crucial in supporting restful sleep. This includes making sure beds are ergonomically appropriate for seniors, keeping rooms cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), avoiding caffeine later in the day, and using dim lighting during evening hours.
Reduce Stimulation
A relatively quiet room free of distracting noises such as televisions or radios will create a calming atmosphere for easier sleeping. Keeping screens out of bedrooms or limiting screen time before bed can also promote better-quality rest.
Address Underlying Medical Conditions
The underlying cause of sleep disturbances must be addressed if you want your loved one to sleep better. Healthcare providers can help you identify conditions such as anemia or COPD that could trigger sleeplessness and provide solutions tailored to the senior's specific needs. These issues must be resolved sooner than later so there won't be any disruption when it comes to getting sufficient rest.
Get In-Home Support for a Better Night's Sleep
Helping seniors get adequate rest each night should be a priority for their caregivers. Establishing a routine, providing comfort, and reducing the stimulation in the bedroom are key strategies to encourage better quality sleep. Additionally, it is critical that any underlying medical conditions contributing to difficulty sleeping or waking up too early be addressed with help from healthcare professionals.
If you’re in need of further professional assistance, in-home senior care can help. Contact the Senior Helpers Charlotte team for a free in-home evaluation in the Charlotte, Pineville, and Concord areas if you need an extra hand helping seniors develop healthier sleep habits.