Many older adults have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. They may not be able to fall asleep when they go to bed. Or, they may wake up during the night and be unable to fall back to sleep. Sleep disturbances can be caused by many things, but whatever the cause of your aging relative’s sleepless nights, it is important to take the lack of sleep seriously. Sleep is essential to good health, so sleep disturbances should be reported to the doctor. If your aging relative reluctant to talk to the doctor about their sleep problems, below are some of the reasons sleeping well is important that just may convince them to get help.
Sleep Benefits Heart Health
Did you know that older adults are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke in the morning? Experts believe that increased risk of cardiovascular events during the morning hours has something to do with how sleep affects blood vessels. Research shows that people who don’t get enough sleep at night often have higher blood pressure and cholesterol, which are both risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
Sleeping Well Can Prevent Weight Gain
Studies show that not sleeping well at night is a contributing factor for weight gain. Researchers believe the reason for this has something to do with hormones. In addition, people who have not slept well may not be as motivated to be physically active.
Sleep Improves Brain Function
Not sleeping well can affect the brain’s ability to store new information. In addition, being tired affects focus. When your aging relative sleeps, it gives the brain a chance to refresh and catch up on creating memories.
Sleep Helps to Keep Blood Sugar Steady
While your aging relative sleeps, their blood sugar level goes down. But, this only happens during deep sleep. Therefore, not remaining in a deep sleep stage for long enough doesn’t give the body the time it needs to reset blood sugar levels.
Sleep Reduces Stress
Not sleeping enough can leave your aging relative feeling stressed. That’s because the body enters a state of alert, making blood pressure go up and causing the production of stress hormones. The stress hormones perpetuate the cycle of poor sleep because they make it harder to fall asleep. And, high blood pressure puts the older adult at risk for heart attack and stroke.
Elderly care can assist seniors to get a better night’s sleep. If your aging relative is using a CPAP machine to correct a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, an elderly care provider can ensure they use it properly and that the mask remains clean to prevent illness and infections. An elderly care provider can also help to put the senior into a restful state before bed by encouraging calming activities like soothing music or reading a book.
Sources
https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-health-benefits-of-a-good-nights-sleep-2223766
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/benefits-sleep-more#1
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.