The Importance of Good Sleeping Habits for Seniors

Vancouver Senior Home Care  |  February 11, 2020

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleeping Habits for Seniors | So many things change as we age and our sleeping habits are no exception. Sleep disorders are so common in golden years that it is estimated that nearly half of our elderly population experience some difficulties with falling asleep regularly.

Typically, those 65 and older should get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. However, getting an uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep may not be so easy for many older adults.

Sleeping Habits for Seniors and The Most Common Reasons for Sleeping Disorders:

• The process of aging causes a gradual reduction of hormones and chemicals that help us rest well.
• Sensitivity to outside factors known to affect sleep, including noise, room temperature, or light.
• Chronic conditions that may affect parts of the brain responsible for quality sleep, such as Parkinson’s or stroke.
• Chronic pain caused by arthritis or other medical conditions.

In addition to this, some seniors tend to nap during the day or fall asleep much earlier than usual and then wake up in the middle of the night. Others may struggle with insomnia. All of this can hurt one’s overall quality of life in different ways.

How Sleeping Habits for Seniors Can Have a Negative Impact:

• Lack of sleep can affect our memory and concentration, making simple, repetitive tasks more difficult to perform.
• Seniors who experience sleeping disorders are at a higher risk of falling.
• Insufficient rest affects mood and can cause depression and cognitive issues in the long run.
• Sleep deprivation may lead to headaches, body aches, and a chronic lack of energy.
• Constantly feeling tired can also contribute to illness as our immune system is set off balance.

Before seeking professional advice from their physician, seniors who have a hard time sleeping can try introducing certain changes into their daily routine. Encourage your senior Mom or Dad to consider these strategies for combating sleeping disorders:

Adhering to a sleep schedule – Going to bed and getting up at the same time can help restore the natural sleep rhythm.

Refraining from specific types of food before bedtime – Spicy foods, alcohol, and foods and beverages that contain high caffeine and sugar levels can significantly contribute to sleep issues.

Engaging a relaxing bedtime routine – Meditation, reading, or taking a long bath are just some of the relaxing activities often cited as good pre-sleep habits.

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).

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. 

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