For many older adults, sleep problems are a surprising feature of aging. Most people expect stiffness, aches and pains, and occasional forgetfulness as inevitable parts of growing older. However, the insomnia often experienced by seniors is less talked about. For a variety of reasons, people’s sleep schedules change over time. One reason for this is the aforementioned aches and pains: when you’re less comfortable physically, it can be much harder to get a good night’s sleep. Similarly, many ailments common to seniors can disrupt sleep. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other disorders can contribute to restless nights. The side effects of many medications can also induce sleeplessness.

In addition to illness and pain, most seniors experience a rewiring of their biological clocks, due to hormonal and other physiological changes that accompany age. Shorter periods of deep sleep, as well as earlier waking and daytime sleepiness, are often part of the package. Psychological factors, such as stress, can also be major contributors to insomnia.

Because of the biological changes and ailments that often accompany aging, many older adults feel the need to nap during the day. Short naps can be beneficial, allowing for a period of rest that leads to higher energy levels and a feeling of rejuvenation. However, napping can also compromise night-time sleep: if someone sleeps more during the day, it’s likely that they’ll have a harder time getting to sleep at night, even if they feel tired. In addition to daytime napping, nocturnal bathroom visits are a major culprit in insomnia for older adults. Waking to go to the bathroom can prove very disruptive to a normal sleep schedule, as many people find it difficult to go back to sleep afterwards. While there’s not much anyone can do about the basic physiological changes responsible for shifting periods of sleepiness and wakefulness, there are measures that older adults can take to lessen insomnia. Limiting napping during the day, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake (particularly later in the day), and avoiding drinking too many liquids in the evening can all be helpful steps to getting a better night’s sleep.

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

General Home Care New York

A good night’s sleep is essential at any age. Adequate sleep promotes immune-system health, improves daytime concentration and memory, and plays a vital role in repairing cellular damage. People who don’t get enough sleep often experience increased irritability, difficulty concentrating and performing everyday tasks, and lower quality of life. Despite its importance, sleep can sometimes be elusive, particularly for older adults. The natural changes in body chemistry that accompany aging can alter sleep patterns and make it more difficult to get the right amount of rest. Many older people find that they become sleepy earlier in the evening, wake up earlier in the morning, and experience sleepiness during the day. Although these changes are perfectly natural, they can interfere with normal sleep cycles.

            In addition to the natural physical changes of aging, older adults may experience sleep disturbances for a host of other reasons. Illnesses such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can interfere with sleep, as can conditions which cause chronic pain. The side-effects of many medications can also cause insomnia. One of the leading causes of sleep disturbances for people of all ages is particularly prevalent among older adults who may be experiencing major life changes: stress. Retirement or a major change in work responsibilities, a move to assisted living, or a decline in independence can all be extremely stressful events. Stress, in turn, can dramatically affect the quality and quantity of sleep.

It’s important for seniors to combat stress-related insomnia in order to enjoy good quality of life. Making simple lifestyle changes can help: exercise, spending time outdoors, and participating in hobbies and social activities can all reduce stress and lead to improved sleep. Insuring that the sleeping environment is comfortable and restful is also essential: bedrooms should be kept at a comfortable temperature and free of light and loud noises. Breathing exercises, meditation, and comforting rituals, such as a warm bath or time with a good book, can all help to relieve stress and ease the transition into 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

Insomnia 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

For 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