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Lack of Sleep Interfering with Daily Life

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shutterstock_84333127Insomnia is one of the most prevalent symptoms of aging. It affects any people over 60 and can be attributed to a number of causes. Many older people experience difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep, as well as waking during the night or waking up too early. This is in part because people’s circadian rhythm, which governs cycles of sleepiness and wakefulness, change with age. People who may have formerly been night owls may find that they become sleepy earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning. Additionally, sleep architecture – the proportion of time spent in deep, restorative sleep versus lighter sleep stages – changes, leaving older people more susceptible to waking up suddenly.

As well as the fundamental biological changes that occur with age, sleep may be disturbed by a host of ailments that are common in older populations. Aches and pains can be detrimental to a good night’s sleep. So can diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, of which insomnia is a common symptom. Additionally, sleeplessness can be a side-effect of many medications.

For older adults who struggle to get a good night’s sleep, insomnia is often extremely frustrating. Instead of waking up feeling refreshed and well-rested, insomnia sufferers often wake feeling groggy. This can have detrimental affects on the daily life of those who struggle with insomnia, interfering with normal activities and reducing energy. Particularly for older people, a lack of sleep can have negative implications for coordination and balance, leading to an increased likelihood of falls. It can also effect memory and make it more difficult to recall basic information. A lack of sleep can leave insomnia sufferers drained of energy, more likely to nap, and less likely to take part in exercise and outdoor activities, which in turn makes it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Because of the implications for quality of life, it’s crucial for insomnia sufferers to be proactive about managing their symptoms.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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Premature Waking and Trouble Falling Back Asleep

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shutterstock_109628897For many older adults, sleep problems rank high on their list of concerns; people who once slept soundly through the night may find that they suffer from insomnia as they age. Difficulties falling and staying asleep can be caused by an underlying medical condition, by medications, or by natural changes in the sleep cycle. The sleep deprivation that often results from insomnia can cause or exacerbate other problems, such as depression, forgetfulness, and the tendency to fall. Older adults can find strategies to improve sleep in order to maintain alertness during the day.

One of the leading symptoms of insomnia for older adults is waking early in the morning and being unable to go back to sleep. This can be due to a number of factors. Changes in circadian rhythm, the “biological clock” that governs patterns of sleeping and waking, often shift as people age, causing them to become sleepier earlier in the evening, and alert earlier in the morning. For many people, it can be extremely difficult to change their sleeping habits. Someone who is used to a later bedtime may still wake early in the morning and be unable to go back to sleep, leading to a lack of sleep that can compromise quality of life. Many older people also wake during the night or early in the morning to use the bathroom, and may be unable to go back to sleep afterwards.

For people struggling with insomnia, lifestyle changes can be helpful in managing symptoms. Taking fewer naps during the day, getting regular exercise, and spending time outdoors can all be beneficial in regulating circadian rhythm and improving sleep. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially later in the day, and refraining from drinking excessive liquid in the evening, can also be helpful. Additionally, addressing medical conditions and adjusting medications can be an important aspect of improving sleep.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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With Age Comes Extended Time to Fall Asleep

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It is very common for people over the age of 60 to get less than the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night. In fact, many older adults struggle with insomnia. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling and staying asleep – taking longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep or waking frequently during the night.   

Sleep changes in older people are due to a number of factors. As people age, the circadian rhythm – the internal cycle often called the “biological clock” – shifts. Many older adults become tired earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning than they used to. This can be frustrating, as a new sleep cycle may conflict with social and work schedules. People who are not used to going to bed at an earlier time may have trouble falling asleep, even if they feel sleepy. In addition to changes in circadian rhythm, sleep architecture – the way in which the different stages of sleep are structured – also shifts as people get older. This means that, instead of extended periods of deep, restorative sleep, older people tend to spend more time in lighter stages of sleep, during which they are more susceptible to being woken by changes in the environment, such as noise or light.

In addition to biological changes in sleep architecture and circadian rhythm, older people may experience insomnia due to the ailments that often accompany aging. Chronic pain can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep; diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can also cause insomnia. Insomnia is also a very common side-effect of certain medications. Although it can be disruptive to daily life, insomnia is a completely normal part of aging. With the right approach, it can be managed to allow maximum quality of life.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

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shutterstock_143650501For many older adults, sleep troubles rank among the biggest changes that occur with age. Many people who were formerly sound sleepers suddenly experience insomnia, waking during the night, daytime sleepiness, and general disturbances in their sleep patterns. Difficulty getting a good night’s sleep can exacerbate stress, diminish energy, compromise memory, and generally diminish quality of life. However, it’s also a perfectly normal part of aging that most seniors will struggle with at some point.

Changes to the sleep cycle can be attributed to a number of factors. One of these is a change in “sleep architecture,” a term that describes the time spent in different stages of sleep. As people grow older, they tend to spend less time in the deeper stages of sleep, and more in lighter ones. Similarly, many older adults also experience changes in their circadian rhythm, the “biological clock” that governs periods of arousal and sleepiness. Many older people find themselves waking earlier, as well as becoming sleepy earlier in the day. Finally, sleep problems are often related to other medical issues: insomnia, for instance, is a side-effect of some medications. In other instances, diseases like Parkinson’s can cause sleep disturbances.

For someone who wants to remain active and engaged in life, sleep problems can be extremely frustrating: it’s hard to keep work, family, and social obligations when you’re sleep-deprived! There are, however, several ways to improve your sleep and get better rest. Sticking to a routine sleep schedule can help to program your body to fall asleep at the right time. Creating a bedtime ritual that allows you to relax before bed can also be helpful: reading, listening to soft music, taking a warm bath, or other soothing activities are great ways to unwind in the evening. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially late in the day, as both substances can disturb sleep. Also, try not to drink too much liquid in the evening: having to get up to go to the bathroom can be very disruptive to sleep.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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Changes in Sleeping with Age

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shutterstock_194440022Sleep is essential to good health and wellbeing. For many people, however, sleep can be elusive. Insomnia – trouble falling asleep, and staying asleep – is very common, particularly among older adults. There is a popular misconception that people require less sleep as they age. However, sleep needs remain fairly constant throughout our adult lives: seniors require just as much sleep as younger people. It can be frustrating and confusing for people who were once sound sleepers to suddenly find themselves struggling with insomnia. However, sleep disturbances are a very normal part of aging.

For older adults struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it can be reassuring to recognize that difficulty sleeping is a perfectly natural part of the aging process. Conditions that are common among seniors, such as Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, can all contribute to sleep problems. Additionally, our bodies’ internal clock – also known as the circadian rhythm – changes as we age. Although this phenomenon is not well understood, researchers speculate that it could be related to light exposure. Older adults tend to get tired earlier in the evening, as well as waking earlier in the morning, than they used to. This can be frustrating for someone who is used to keeping certain hours. As well as changes in circadian rhythm and physical problems that may interrupt sleep “sleep architecture” – the amount of time we spend in different stages of sleep – is altered with age. Older people tend to spend less time in deep sleep, and more time in light sleep, than younger adults. 

For older adults struggling with sleep problems, it can be helpful to remember that insomnia, waking during the night, and changes in the cycles of alertness and sleepiness are a normal part of aging. Although these changes may provoke worry, it’s possible to make a few adjustments and changes to facilitate better sleep and improve quality of life.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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