Worried If Your Loved One is Getting Enough Sleep?

Uncategorized  |  April 23, 2019

How home care can help monitor and improve sleep habits

You might have heard that seniors or the elderly need less sleep than the rest of us, or even know aging loved ones who swear by that. But research shows that seniors need just as much sleep as any other adult; in fact, our sleep needs remain about the same from age 18 through our golden years.

Getting adequate sleep is an important part of daily habits we should all establish to work toward better health. Being chronically tired, or experiencing sleep disruption regularly, can result in a wide range of negative health impacts, such as:

• Decreased focus and attention span
• Reduced capacity to make new memories or recall old memories
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Depression
• Heart problems, including increased risk of heart attack

In-home care can help your loved one create a regular schedule, which can help in two ways. First, establishing regular sleep habits can encourage better habits; and second, it can help your loved one allot the correct amount of time for their sleep needs every day.

Creating a daily schedule can also help control other lifestyle factors that can impact the ity of sleep. Eating right before bedtime, especially foods high in sugar or caffeine, can make it harder to sleep. Cutting back on sugar, caffeine, and nicotine generally can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. For many seniors, another key to good rest is maintaining accuracy in their medication schedule. Disrupting the regularity of medications can disrupt body processes or lead to discomfort, pain, or other symptoms, making it harder to sleep.

If you’re worried about the health of an aging loved one, receiving in-home care from Comfort Keepers can help ensure a better quality of life. From rest habits to dietary habits and other daily care tasks, our care providers will work with your loved one and your family to make sure your loved one remains healthy, happy, and safe at home. Call Comfort Keepers Victoria today to learn more.

Share This Post: