Sleep disorders in the elderly are fairly common. They often have a disrupted sleeping pattern that not only gives them less sleep but also leads to other problems. This includes falling from bed, early awakening, abnormal behaviours with sleep, etc. Have you ever seen a bed guard rail for adults and wondered why? It is due to sleep disorders.
Therefore, when an elderly complains about their insomnia, it is important to listen to them carefully. Instead of neglecting, one must assess treatable medical conditions. Additionally, you can also help them in different ways. Wondering what exactly are those? But before that, let’s find out the symptoms and causes of sleep disorders in the elderly.
Why Do Sleep Disorders in the Elderly Happen?
Compared to young people, sleep disorders in the elderly are very common. While adults get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily, older people’s sleep is choppier and less deep. For instance, a 70-year-old who is in good health may wake up multiple times during the night without experiencing any medical issues.
Before looking for ways to improve sleep disorders, it is important to understand the causes of the issue. So the question remains- what exactly causes sleep disorders in the elderly? Here are some causes of sleep disturbances:
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Alcohol consumption
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Condition of brain and nervous system
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Staying inactive
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Alzheimer disease
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Lack of social engagement
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Lack of exercise
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Poor sleeping environment
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Depression and stress
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Chronic anxiety or emotionally hopeless
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Recent traumatic experience
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Pain due to diseases
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Changes in the body when a person falls asleep earlier in the afternoon or evening
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Chronic disease
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Frequent nighttime urination
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Drinking caffeine and nicotine
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Medications and recreational drugs
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders in the Elderly
Confused if your senior at home is having trouble sleeping? Well, here are the symptoms that ensure sleep disorder in older people:
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Having difficulty falling asleep even if tired
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Having difficulty differentiating between night and day
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Having difficulty getting back asleep after awakening
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Waking up early in the morning
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Not feeling refreshed after sleeping at night
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Feeling irritable or not active during the day
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Waking up frequently during nighttime
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Starting to feel sleepy early
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Relying on alcohol or sleeping pills to get adequate sleep at night
Why is Proper Sleep Important in Older People?
Sleep is important both for your physical and mental health just as it did when you were younger. However, older people don’t sleep well which as a result increases many issues. This includes:
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Risk of depression
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Memory and focus issues
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Increases risk of falling at night
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
In addition to this, getting inadequate sleep also leads to health issues like:
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Risk of diabetes
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Weight issues
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Heart disease
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Breast cancer in women
Therefore, proper sleep is very important as it benefits in various ways. This includes:
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Strengthens immune system
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Boosts focus and memory
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Helps the body heal any cell damage that occurred throughout the day
Overall, if an older person gets proper sleep it leads to the prevention of diseases and helps overall well-being.
How to Treat Sleep Disorders in the Elderly?
People at any age can face sleep troubles but among the elderly it is common. Are you or any senior at home facing this issue regularly?
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Set a Regular Bedtime Routine
As you age, it is normal to feel weak and sleep during the daytime or take a nap in the evening. But this in actuality disturbs the sleeping pattern. Therefore, you must set a regular bedtime routine and maintain a consistent sleeping schedule. Also, avoid sleeping pills.
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Improve your Sleep Environment
Improper sleeping environments such as irregular sleeping hours or falling asleep with the TV on can lead to sleep disorders in older people. Therefore, it is important to change the habit and sleeping environment. You can follow these tips:
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Use low-wattage bulbs, instead of artificial lights.
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Turn off TV and computers at least 1 hour before bedtime.
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Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool.
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Use earplugs or a sleep mask.
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Try using pillows or a mattress that suits your sleeping pattern.
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If you’ve back pain or any due to age, you can use an adjustable base.
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If you fall often during sleep, then look for quality bed guard rails for adults.
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Use your bedroom for sleeping and not working.
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Keep bedroom clocks out of view.
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Follow Proper Diet
As you age, it is important to eat healthily and follow a proper diet. Talking about sleeping disorder solutions, follow a sleep-friendly diet such as:
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Avoid caffeine late in the day.
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Don’t consume alcohol before bedtime.
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Cut down on sugary foods.
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Have light meals and avoid spicy foods before bedtime.
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Do Exercise
Another best solution for sleep disorders in the elderly is to exercise. Aerobic activities help in overcoming sleeping problems, thereby promoting restful sleep. Some of the exercises you can indulge in are:
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Water exercises
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Dancing
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Cycling/running
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Golfing
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Stay Mentally Fit
Be it young people or the elderly, stress and anxiety can disrupt one’s sleep. To get rid of sleep disorders, it is important to stay mentally fit. For instance:
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If you have too much in your head, keep a journal and write down things.
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If you have anxiety about falling from bed during sleep, then look for a bed rail for the elderly and install it.
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If you’re tired, then get a massage from a friend or learn relaxation techniques.
Sleep Without Fear at Night
We at Medguard are the leading suppliers of medical equipment. We have a wide range of bedside rails, bed rails and bedside protectors. Every bed rail for the elderly, individuals with physical disabilities and patients offers comfort and security. Our products are made using high-quality materials and ensure durability.
For years, we have been offering services to hospitals, home care, surgeries and other industries. We are proud of not failing to meet expectations of any. Moreover, our team of experts is highly knowledgeable and always ready to help 24/7. Be it reliability, top-quality products, quality customer service or speed delivery, we are your best healthcare partner.