Seniors and Sleep: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults Need?

Blog  |  December 16, 2019

Seniors and Sleep: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults Need?

Seniors and Sleep | Many things change as we get older. Something that we don’t necessarily expect to change is how we sleep. In fact, 46% of adults 65 and older have trouble falling asleep and sleeping well through the night on a regular basis.

Adults over the age of 65 should be getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night. But getting quality sleep at night can be difficult for seniors. 

• As we age, our bodies make less of the chemicals and hormones that help us sleep well.
• Some seniors develop sensitivity to environmental factors affecting sleep, including noise and temperature.
• The parts of the brain that control sleep are affected by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke.
• Arthritis and other conditions can also play a role in sleep quality due to chronic pain. 

Comfort Keepers® Georgian Triangle Leaders in Family Focussed Personal Health Care.

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 Georgian Triangle office.

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca

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

Seniors and Sleep | Seniors may fall asleep earlier than usual, wake up in the middle of the night, or suffer from insomnia – all of which can negatively impact quality of daily life. In addition to affecting mood, lack of sleep can lead to issues with memory and an increased risk of falling

• Inadequate rest affects mood– Not getting a full night of sleep can cause irritability, stress, problems with concentration, and mood swings. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive issues and depression.
• When seniors don’t sleep, their bodies suffer– Headaches, body aches and weakness can sometimes be attributed to lack of sleep.
• 
  Being tired can contribute to illness – When tired, an older adult’s immune system doesn’t perform as well, opening the door to illness and infection. Some studies have shown that lack of sleep can lead to heart problems, diabetes and it has even been associated with an increase in risk of breast cancer.

Seniors that are having a hard time sleeping can get help from their doctor. However, there are a few things they can try at home to help ensure a restful night’s sleep:

• Having a sleep schedule– going to bed at the same time every night, and getting up at the same time every morning, helps a person adjust to a natural sleep rhythm.
• Being mindful about eating habits– Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and a diet high in sugar can all cause sleep issues. Eating and drinking close to bedtime can also be a problem for some – rather than having a full meal before bed, it’s better to have a light snack or warm milk.
• Creating an individualized sleep plan– Changing nighttime routines, and daily activities, can have an impact on sleep. It’s important for people to find out what works for them and create a schedule that they stick to – consistency is key! Some people find that more physical activity during the day helps them sleep better. Others find that napping during the day makes it harder to sleep at night, while some aren’t affected. Meditation before bed, a warm bath or reading time at night can all be part of a sleep plan, if they help.

Comfort Keepers® Georgian Triangle Leaders in Family Focussed Personal Health Care.

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 Georgian Triangle office.

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca

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

References
Washington Post. “Sleep patterns can change with aging. Does that mean health troubles ahead?” Web. 2019.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Get Enough Sleep.” Web.
Health Magazine. “11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep.” Web. 2018.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact us today. Georgian Triangle – (705) 293-5553

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