People of all ages are susceptible to insomnia, a common sleep disorder. However, because of the changes that come with aging, insomnia can have particular effects on seniors. To examine the impact of insomnia on seniors and any possible adverse effects it may have on their physical and mental health, continue reading. The good news is there are things loved ones and companion care at home can do to help seniors get balanced sleep.

Understanding Sleep

How people sleep evolves with advancing age. A decline in deep sleep, which is essential for physical recovery and renewal, may be experienced by seniors. They might also experience more interrupted sleep, including numerous nighttime awakenings. These changes may make falling asleep and staying asleep more complex, resulting in insomnia. Sleep affects physical, mental, and emotional health, making consistency essential.

• Consequences for physical health: Sleep is essential for maintaining overall physical health, and it can have severe repercussions for seniors who experience chronic insomnia. Age-related immune system deterioration can increase seniors’ susceptibility to infections and illnesses. Additionally, it can raise the risk of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, and chronic pain diseases.
• Cognitive function and sleep: The best cognitive function, including the ability to concentrate, consolidate memories, pay attention, and solve problems, depends on getting enough sleep. A higher risk of cognitive problems, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, is also associated with insomnia. The mental deterioration may be more evident in seniors who have insomnia. They might need help with concentration, decision-making, and memory recall.
• The impact on emotional health: Insomnia can harm a senior’s emotional health. Lack of sleep can cause agitation, mood fluctuations, worry, and depression. Due to their exhaustion and emotional instability, seniors with chronic insomnia may find it difficult to sustain relationships or participate in social activities. Having companion care at home can help monitor their sleep and behaviors due to decreased sleep.
• Interrupted sleep can affect stability: Insomnia-related sleep loss can impair seniors’ balance, coordination, and general physical performance, which raises their risk of falling and suffering accidents. Seniors should be especially cautious about falls since they can result in serious problems like fractures, hospitalization, and a loss of overall mobility and independence.

Creating a Plan for Better Sleep

An all-encompassing strategy that tackles the underlying reasons, as well as the symptoms, is necessary to manage insomnia in seniors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, lifestyle changes – such as creating a regular sleep pattern, improving the sleep environment, and engaging in relaxation techniques are all possible forms of treatment. In some situations, medication might also be prescribed. Seniors should speak with medical experts to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique requirements.

Insomnia can significantly negatively impact seniors’ physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, emotional stability, and general quality of life. It is critical to identify and treat insomnia in seniors if they want to improve their general health and well-being. Loved ones and companion care at home can help seniors identify when their sleep is failing and create a plan to improve their situation.

Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30058034/#:~:text=The%20choice%20of%20a%20hypnotic,sleep%20onset%20and%20sleep%20maintenance.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/older-adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5991956/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-to-sleep-well-as-you-age.htm
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/insomnia-in-elderly

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Rockville, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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