How Much Sleep Does Your Senior Loved One Need in Edmonton?

Edmonton Senior Health  |  February 11, 2020

How much sleep does a senior need? | With age come many changes in the way our bodies function. While it may not be expected, sleep is one part of life that can also change in senior years. Almost half of all adults 65 and older have a hard time falling asleep and getting a good night’s rest. For many seniors, getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night is almost impossible.

Poor sleep quality in seniors may include:

• Fewer chemicals and chromones that are responsible for sleep quality
• Sensitivity to various environmental factors like noise, light, and temperature
• Chronic conditions like Parkinson’s or stroke
• Chronic pain

It is also important to keep in mind that some seniors go to bed early in the evening and then wake up in the middle of the night. Some older adults take naps during the day and cannot fall asleep at night as a result.

Not being able to sleep throughout the night does not just affect mood but can result in memory problems and increase the risk of falling. It can also lead to the development of illness and infections as well as headaches and overall weakness and fatigue.

If your loved one cannot fall asleep or has other sleep issues, they should talk with their medical team. However, there are some things they can do on their own to boost their sleep quality, including:

• Developing and sticking to a sleep schedule (going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning)
• Following a healthy diet and avoiding foods that are too spicy or high in sugar. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided.
• Understanding what daily routines affect sleep quality (some people find it easier to fall asleep at night if they exercise during the day or do not take naps)

How much sleep does a senior need? Comfort Keepers Can Help!

If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients’ exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office.

If you live in the Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain area, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton  is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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