As you’ve gotten older, you may have noticed that your sleep patterns have changed over time. As a younger individual, you may have experienced long periods of deep, full unconscious sleep with lots of time spent in “dreamland.” You also probably slept more, in general, when you had a younger body. If you didn’t get your full eight hours, you became a zombie at work the next day! But as you’ve aged, you’ve probably found that you need less sleep, and that the full, deep cycles of dream-filled excursions into the unconscious abyss are increasingly difficult to come by.
This is typical, but for seniors who have trouble sleeping, it’s no consolation to know that getting poorer sleep as they age is considered “normal.” For older individuals who want to get the most out of life as they age, getting good sleep is something they are constantly chasing — and often failing to achieve. Getting less sleep in old age isn’t indicative of a problem, but it can be difficult to understand, especially when more deep sleep would seem to solve a number of other issues (irritability, alertness, appetite, etc.).
Sleep is important for seniors, but for older individuals to get the shuteye they require, it’s often necessary to change some habits. But it’s your job as a caregiver to notice the signs first.
Here are some of the ways you can tell if your loved one requires better sleep at night:
Constant Napping
When you go to your older loved one’s home, what do they spend their time doing? Are they sleepy all the time and constantly lying down to catch a nap? This could mean that they’re not getting the proper amount of sleep at night. If you notice that your loved one is often sleepy, it’s probably time to make some changes to the night-time routine.
Irritability
We all know what it’s like to not get enough sleep — watch out, world! A lack of sleep can bring emotions closer to the surface, and when they get there, they often manifest as irritability. If your senior loved one displays an irritable streak that doesn’t normally exist, it might mean that they’re not getting enough sleep!
Confusion
It’s normal for senior brains to not be quite as sharp as their younger counterparts, but if it becomes a regular occurrence, it’s something that you should investigate more fully. A lack of good sleep can lead to diminished brain function, which often manifests as confusion. This is something you should keep your eye on anyway because it could mean a warning sign for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. However, good sleep is a great cure for temporary lapses.
For More Information on Senior Sleep
Are you caring for an older loved one who has displayed some of the signs listed above? Are you worried about their ability to get good sleep at night? Do you have concerns about what a lack of good sleep might mean for their overall safety and sense of well being? Always Best Care is here to help you! Contact us today and find out how our compassionate caregivers can give you a hand when it comes to making sure that your senior loved one gets the rest and care they need to live the best possible life! Just pick up the phone and dial 1 (855) 470-CARE (2273) to learn more!
