Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to a senior’s wellbeing, but there are many factors that can lead to insomnia. Here are the top five reasons your elderly loved one might be losing too much sleep.
1. Pain
Older adults may have chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or cancer that cause pain, which can easily affect the quality of sleep. Whether your loved one has difficulty falling asleep initially or staying asleep after the pain begins, pain-related insomnia can get worse over time. Finding the best treatment for the pain may reduce the risk of further sleep interruption.
2. Medication
Elderly individuals sometimes take medications that interfere with their sleep patterns. This type of insomnia can be difficult to correct because your loved one requires the medication, yet he or she still needs to try and get proper rest. It’s important for your loved one to report any sleep-related side effects to his or her physician to see if there are alternatives available.
3. Anxiety
Many older adults lie awake worrying about personal problems, such as the loss of a spouse, a move to an assisted living facility, or their own health. Life changes or stressful events can impact the ability to fall asleep, but the emotional support of family can alleviate anxiety.
Stress in seniors can result from growing challenges with everyday activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Families trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Frequent Urination
Changes in bladder habits can naturally occur with age, but dietary choices and certain medications can also impact the need to urinate frequently. Since waking up at night to use the bathroom can be disruptive to sleep patterns, treating the problem at its source may help your loved one sleep better.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can count on Senior Stride Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
5. Poor Sleep Habits
Sometimes nightly habits can contribute to sleeping problems. Your loved one may need to adjust his or her bedtime activities. Watching television before going to bed may be relaxing for some seniors, while others may prefer to read or exercise. Having a calm environment with the proper temperature and bedding can also be an important part of maintaining healthy sleeping habits.
Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health issues in aging adults. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to schedule a free in-home consultation.