The Importance of Getting a Good Night's Sleep for Seniors

• With personal home care services from Visiting Angels, seniors in Littleton, CO and surrounding areas can get the support they need to get restful sleep every night.
• Getting a good night's sleep is important for their physical as well as mental well-being.
• If a sleepless night makes us cranky, moody and unable to concentrate, it is easy to see how long-term sleep deprivation can significantly affect one's overall well-being.
• Since senior's immune system is already fragile, sleep deprivation can cause even bigger problems.
• Not getting enough sleep can cause an increased appetite for carbohydrates and sugary foods that can lead to obesity.
• This is why seniors with sleep deprivation are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Our personal home care providers can help your loved one regain a good night's sleep by using different techniques.

With personal home care services from Visiting Angels, seniors in Littleton, CO and surrounding areas can get the support they need to get restful sleep every night

People in their senior years need the same amount of sleep as they did when they were younger. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for their physical as well as mental well-being. Unfortunately, insomnia is a major issue among seniors in the United States. If a sleepless night makes us cranky, moody and unable to concentrate, it is easy to see how long-term sleep deprivation can significantly affect one’s overall well-being.

In case your loved one has poor sleeping patterns, personal home care services from Visiting Angels Littleton might help them get back on track.

Causes of Sleeplessness Among Seniors

There are so many reasons why older adults suffer from sleep deprivation. Certain medications, frequent urination and health problems are all factors that can cause sleep problems. In addition, seniors who experience pain caused by arthritis, muscular atrophy and heart problems often stay awake at night.

Sleep Deprivation Poses Health Risks for Seniors

Sleep deprivation can lead to various health problems, both physical and mental.

• Cognitive Impairment. Without a proper amount of sleep new brain cells are not produced. Also, too little sleep impairs concentration, alertness, memory and the ability to process information.
• Weakened Immunity. Lack of sleep affects immunity and decreases the body’s ability to fight colds and infections. Since senior’s immune system is already fragile, sleep deprivation can cause even bigger problems.
• Greater Heart Disease Risk.Seniors who are sleep deprived can suffer from high blood pressure which is connected with heart disease and other chronic health issues.
• Increased Risk of Obesity. Not getting enough sleep can cause an increased appetite for carbohydrates and sugary foods that can lead to d obesity.
• Diabetes. Without a proper amount of sleep, the body starts producing less insulin than it needs to regulate blood sugar. This is why seniors with sleep deprivation are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Anxiety and/or Depression. Older adults who suffer from lack of sleep can become depressed, sad, angry and anxious.

Tips for Better Sleep

Our personal home care providers can help your loved one regain a good night’s sleep by using different techniques. Your parent can:

• Set a daily schedule. Your loved one can try to get their body used to performing tasks at the same time each day such as getting up, eating and going to bed.
• Avoid late-night coffee.Our personal home care providers can keep an eye on your loved one and make sure they don’t drink coffee or other beverages with caffeine in the afternoon.
• Go outdoors. If your parent spends every minute inside, their internal clock may not know what time of day it is. By spending more time outside your parent could improve their sleep patterns. Avoid long daytime naps. Although short naps could benefit your parent, long ones could confuse their internal clock.
• Turn off the TV. Your loved one should avoid watching TV at least one hour before bed.

Senior Care Services Help Loved Ones Make Better Health Choices

Our personal home care providers can help your loved one achieve a greater quality of life. Contact our office in Littleton, CO at 720-410-9430 to learn more about our services.