Sleep Awareness

HOW ARE YOU SLEEPING?

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for your overall health and your mood at any age. However, it can be particularly important for older adults.

With National Sleep Awareness Week this month, now is a particularly good time to observe and think about your sleep patterns (or lack thereof).

Sleep problems in older adults are not uncommon. While the amount of sleep recommended for an elderly adult is the same – seven to nine hours each night – sleep can often be less deep and choppier than for those who are younger.

Common problems include:
– having trouble falling asleep
– waking up frequently in the night or early morning
– getting less quality sleep.

Primarily, sleep disorders can include a variety of conditions:
– insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep
– staying asleep, or restless sleep
– sleep apnea, or brief interruptions in breathing during sleep often marked by heavy snoring
– restless leg syndrome, or the overwhelming need to move your legs during sleep
– circadian rhythm sleep disorders, or a disrupted sleep-wake cycle

Conditions like depression, anxiety, and dementia can increase the risk for sleep disorders, especially insomnia. Certain existing health conditions, including cognitive, neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory and urologic issues, as well as various medications (for high blood pressure, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiac disease, GI problems) can also affect a good night’s sleep.

If you’re having a sleeping problem, it’s a good idea to talk to your physician. If he or she suspects a sleep disorder, a sleep study might be recommended. During such a study, sensors will monitor your body movement, breathing, snoring, heart rate, and brain activity.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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