Facts about Sleep Changes in Senior People and Senior Sanctuary of Anthem in AZ

We all know the feeling of a good night’s sleep, we wake up feeling healthy and refreshed. The opposite happens when we don’t have a well-rested night, we tend to feel sluggish, tired and irritable. If you are facing trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night, insomnia is what you might be experiencing. Insomnia is not only a major senior health concern, but also the most common sleep disorder in adults 65 years and older.

Our bodies undergo natural changes as we age that can make sleep more difficult. Certain medical conditions can also cause insomnia and disrupted sleep. People are of the notion that older adults can make do with less sleep in comparison to younger adults. But regardless of age, all adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Seniors due to aging, experience a shift in their sleep-wake cycle which causes them to fall asleep earlier in the evening and wake up in the wee hours of the morning. Furthermore, older adults are light sleepers and spend less time in the deep stages of their sleep cycles.

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Causes of Insomnia in Seniors:

There are many root causes ranging from (insomnia as a) result of poor bedtime habits, medications, stress and anxiety to excess caffeine, and even eating too much before bed. Insomnia can also be a side-effect of existing health concerns like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, osteoporosis fibromyalgia, diabetes, etc. In the same way, neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease are commonly associated with insomnia. Snoring, restless legs syndrome, or sleep apnea are other sleep-related problems that can also prevent senior people from falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

Prevention Tips:

The best way to prevent insomnia and promote healthier sleeping habits is by improving your sleep hygiene. Here’s a lowdown on good sleep hygiene practices that you should try:

1. Don’t consume caffeine before bedtime.
2. Don’t eat heavy, fried, spicy, or fatty foods before bed as indigestion can keep you up at night.
3. Avoid exercising too close to bedtime which may get in the way of your ability to sleep. Improve your sleep quality at night by exercising during the day.
4. Turn off the TV and put away your computer, phone or tablet to reduce your exposure to blue light from digital devices right before bedtime.
5. A peaceful bedtime routine can work wonders for you. You can either take a warm shower/bath to wind down, read a book or write in a diary or can gulp down a cup of non-caffeinated tea.

Treating Insomnia:

Consult with your healthcare provider if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, or if you regularly feel tired throughout the day who may refer you to a sleep specialist, who can diagnose your sleep condition and provide a comprehensive treatment program which may involve adopting healthy lifestyle measures, taking a new medication or a combination of the two.