Why a Senior May Be Sleeping More Than Usual
Senior Home Care in Loudoun County VA
When seniors have trouble getting the sleep they want, it affects multiple areas of their lives. Getting plenty of quality sleep helps seniors stay healthier and allows them to enjoy the quality of life they want as they age in place. If seniors are sleeping more than usual, they might be doing so for some of these reasons. Senior home care providers can help seniors spot some of these issues and put a plan in place for improving their sleep habits.
Daytime Naps Affecting Overnight Sleep
The problem with poor sleep hygiene is that it sometimes leads to daytime sleepiness. If seniors are napping more often during the day, they might be awake more overnight. Eventually, this can lead to seniors feeling like they’re constantly sleeping during the day and getting up when they really want to go to bed. Reducing daytime naps and setting a strict schedule for them is one option, and home care providers can help seniors figure out a schedule that works.
Health Issues
Chronic health issues, including pain, can also cause seniors to sleep more than they used to. Conditions like arthritis can leave seniors feeling uncomfortable at night, which means that seniors end up sleeping when they can, which might look like they’re sleeping far more often. Sometimes there are other treatments that can help seniors get the relief they need to sleep better at night and stay awake during the day.
Boredom or Depression
Mental and emotional health issues also impact sleep for aging adults. Lack of a daily routine can quickly leave seniors feeling bored, especially if they’re spending a lot of time alone. Senior home care providers can help seniors to establish routines that stimulate their brains and keep them engaged in what’s going on around them. Home care providers also offer companionship, which is a big part of improving mental and emotional health.
Cognitive Illnesses
Dementia and other cognitive health conditions disrupt all sorts of routines, including sleep habits. Seniors may not realize that they’ve changed anything about their sleep habits, either. They can start to have trouble remembering what time of day it is, for example, which leads to sleeping more than they intend. Home care providers who understand cognitive illnesses can help seniors stick to their schedules, offering them routines that feel supportive instead of restrictive.
Hormonal Changes
As seniors age, their bodies experience hormonal changes that can have a big impact on sleep habits. Too much or too little of some hormones can make it difficult for seniors to get to sleep or wake up on time. Their medical providers may be able to help seniors work around these issues and get the sleep they need without overdoing it.
Every senior has different needs when it comes to sleep. Whether they’re sleeping too much or too little may have more to do with how they’re feeling. Senior home care providers can work with aging adults to put together daily routines that work well for their needs and help them get the right amount of rest.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Loudoun County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.
