Senior Health and Well-Being: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults Need?

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  March 14, 2024

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About the Importance of Sleep 

Seniors and Sleep | As we age, many facets of life transform. One aspect that often surprises us with its changes is our sleep patterns. It’s noteworthy that 46% of adults aged 65 and older experience challenges in both falling asleep and achieving restful sleep throughout the night regularly.

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

Seniors aged 65 and above are advised to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Nonetheless, achieving high-quality sleep can be challenging for them.

Seniors and Sleep Struggles:

• 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.

Furthermore, seniors may find themselves drifting off to sleep earlier than their typical bedtime, awakening in the middle of the night, or grappling with insomnia, all of which can significantly diminish their overall quality of life. Apart from affecting mood, inadequate sleep can result in memory problems and elevate the risk of falls.

Seniors and Sleep Challenges:

• 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 and diabetes and it has even been associated with an increase in risk of breast cancer.

Seniors experiencing difficulty sleeping can consult their doctor for assistance. Yet, there are also a few strategies they can employ at home to enhance the quality of their sleep and achieve a more restful night.

Seniors and Sleep – Tips for a better 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. People need 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.

Seniors seeking to adjust their daily routines and establish healthier sleep patterns can turn to Comfort Keepers for support. We offer assistance with scheduling and routines, promote increased daytime activity, facilitate physician-prescribed exercise and dietary plans, and provide transportation to scheduled appointments. Improved sleep contributes to enhanced daytime well-being, and we aim to empower every client to lead a joyful life, regardless of age or level of need.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s 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).

Moreover, our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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.

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