Sleep Guide for Seniors
Seniors, like other adults, require anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep. However, as you age, your sleep needs change. It’s common for seniors’ quality of sleep to exponentially decrease. Why does this happen? It has to do with the elderly’s sleep architecture which is the cycle that dictates how much time they spend in light, deep, and REM (active dreaming) sleep. Seniors spend more time in light sleep, so they don’t get as high-quality of a rest as adults and children do.
fill out our contact form below or call us at (812) 342-9666
Common Issues that Affect Sleep for the Elderly
There are two types of insomnia that can affect older adults. The first is not being able to fall asleep, and the second is not being able to stay asleep. There are a variety of circumstances that can keep older people awake, including:
- Lack of Bladder Control
- Snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Disorder
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
Sleep Deprivation Health Risks
Difficulty sleeping is a major issue among the elderly. Not only is it frustrating to not get a restful night’s sleep, but it also can have a negative impact on health. Sleep deprivation can have a wide range of consequences for older adults, such as:
- Excessive Drowsiness
- Memory Loss & Confusion
- High Blood Pressure
- Increased Risk of Heart Problems
- Depression
- Irritability
- & More
Creating Healthy Sleep Habits
Adults and children alike can benefit from a proper sleep routine also known as sleep hygiene. We’ve included some sleep tips to help you get the rest you need and deserve.
Consistent Sleep Schedule: A regular schedule can ensure that the circadian rhythm is synced up to increase the chances of a full night of sleep.
Physical activity: Regular exercise can help with sleep problems and make it easier to stay asleep throughout the night.
Avoid Blue Light: Screens emit a blue light that can reduce the production of sleep hormones and can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Limit Alcohol & Caffeine: Drinking these beverages in the late afternoon can disrupt sleep architecture and result in a restless night of sleep.