Blog  |  March 2, 2020

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults 60 and older.

We often assume that sleep and seniors go hand in hand, however that isn’t always the case.  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.

Sleep and Seniors

Adults over the age of 65 should be getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night. However, as we have seen, getting quality sleep at night can be difficult for the ageing population. Here are some reasons why:

• 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.

The consequences of not getting enough sleep can be significant for seniors.

Many seniors experience changing sleep patterns. They may fall asleep earlier than usual, wake up in the middle of the night, or suffer from insomnia. Each of these factors can negatively impact the quality of sleep and daily life. Specifically, not getting enough sleep impacts seniors in the following ways:

• 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. This opens the door to illness and infection. Some studies have shown that lack of sleep can lead to heart problems, diabetes and has even been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Solutions for getting more sleep

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 and getting up at the same time every day helps to adjust the natural sleep rhythm
• Being mindful about eating habits. Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and a diet high in sugar can 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. Others aren’t affected either way.  Meditation, a warm bath or reading before bed can all be part of a sleep plan if they help.

Comfort Keepers^®  Peterborough Can Help!

For Alyssa Rowe, the owner of Comfort Keepers Peterborough, the goal is to provide uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their families. Together, she and her team create individualized care plans for clients in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Without fail, each plan considers the physical, emotional, and community goals of the client and their family.

Our Peterborough caregivers can provide transportation to community events, support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help families stay connected through technology. The Comfort Keepers Peterborough office strives to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care. Our team aims to offer the best in-home care services in Peterborough!

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

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