Do you suspect that your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough quality sleep? If this is something you worry about, then you should schedule a doctor’s appointment for your elderly loved one. Sleep issues can be caused by a wide variety of things. Sometimes, serious health issues could be the cause and other times it is something minor. Either way, it would be best if there was a solution to your elderly loved one’s sleep problems. Keep reading here to find out more about common reasons for sleep problems in senior citizens and what to do about them.
Incorrect Environment
The environment has a lot to do with whether someone can sleep well or not. There are some things that might be necessary in order for your elderly loved one to get enough quality sleep. The things that might be needed are the following:
- A dark room
- Quiet environment
- Proper temperature (whatever temperature makes your loved one the most comfortable)
- Turn all electronics off well before bedtime
- Sticking to a regular bedtime/sleep routine
- Going to bed and waking up at the same times every day
It might take a few days to a few weeks of consistently having this environment. You or a home care provider might have to remind your elderly loved one to do these things. However, if your elderly loved one has this type of environment, they might start getting better sleep.
Side Effects from Medications
Another reason why many senior citizens don’t get good sleep is because of the side effects from their medications. There are numerous medications that can lead to sleep problems. Some of these medications include the following:
- Pain medications
- Depression or anxiety medications
- Stimulants for hyperactivity disorders
- Some over-the-counter products
If your elderly loved one is taking a new medication and they start having sleep problems, the medication is likely the problem. You or your elderly loved one’s home care provider might need to take them to the doctor to discuss other possible medications.
Not Being Active Enough During the Day
It might not seem like it, but if your elderly loved one isn’t active enough during the day, they may not get quality sleep at bedtime. The body needs to get rid of its energy in order for a person to sleep well at night. Some of the ways that you can tell if your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough activity throughout the day include the following:
- They watch hours of television everyday
- They are on electronics for many hours of the day
- They are taking naps throughout the day
- They are sitting down almost every time you come over
- They aren’t getting up much when their home care providers are over
It is important that your elderly loved one is being active throughout the day. Some of the ways you can encourage them to do this is by exercising or walking with them. You can also ask them to go and do things outside of the house with you.
Conclusion
These are some of the common reasons for sleep problems in senior citizens. If your elderly loved one is having trouble sleeping, be sure to find the cause. If you can do that, you can also help them to find solutions. These solutions should help your elderly loved one to start getting better sleep.
Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000064.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004018.htm
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Billings, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
