The Most Common Sleep Problems Seniors Have And How To Avoid Them
Research shows that as many as 70% of seniors could be dealing with sleep problems. There are many different factors that affect a senior’s qualify of sleep including things like the medication that they take and how active they are. But regardless of the reasons why seniors aren’t getting enough sleep family members and senior home care providers need to do what they can to help seniors manage their sleeping problems so they can stay healthy. Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. The most common problems that seniors experience include:
Insomnia
Insomnia can be occasional or chronic but whenever it appears it’s going to make it tough for seniors to get the good night’s sleep they need. In order to combat insomnia you can help your senior loved one establish a night time routine that includes a relaxing activity like reading a book or taking a bath. Seniors should also go to bed at the same time every night to help them fall asleep faster.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that occurs when someone’s airway is obstructed when they sleep. Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea in varying degrees. Sometimes all it takes to alleviate the problem is using more pillows or side sleeping instead of sleeping on the back. But in more serious cases a sleep apnea mask might need to be used to ensure your senior loved one is getting the oxygen they need throughout the night. It’s quite common for seniors to use sleep apnea machines at night.
But if your senior loved one is anxious about using a sleep apnea mask they may be unable to sleep because of that anxiety. A senior home care provider that is there throughout the night can bring peace of mind to seniors at night. They will know that someone will be there to help them if they need help with the sleep apnea machine or if it stops working. It will bring you some peace of mind to have a senior home care provider staying with your senior loved one at night too.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes a powerful urge to move the legs and feet when sitting or lying down. It’s similar to what happens when you feel like you’re about to fall in a dream and you jerk awake. The urge to jerk the legs and feet can be very intense. Some medications can make RLS worse. If your senior parent has RLS and finds it difficult to sleep because of the sensations in their legs there are some ways to try and stop that urge. Gentle exercise during the day and improving muscle strength can help. So can a warm bath before bed to relax the muscles. Hot and cold packs can provide some immediate relief when the urge flares up at night. If your senior loved one is prone to bouts of RLS a senior home care provider can help them manage their symptoms so that they can sleep at night.
Sources:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0501/p2551.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377174
If you are considering senior home care in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.