Sleep deprivation is a problem that many people experience. However, a peaceful night's rest can be particularly difficult for seniors to achieve. Changes in sleep patterns are a natural part of the aging process. Unfortunately, this means that 44% of older individuals deal with insomnia. Not getting enough sleep can have significant health consequences. As such, an essential part of senior care is understanding why sleep quality decreases and how you can get the recommended seven to nine hours you need. 

Why Sleep Is Important

Quality sleep allows the body to restore its energy levels and recover from physical and mental damage. As you get older, you become more vulnerable to injury and disease. Thus, you need adequate sleep to help prevent accidents and build up a robust immune system. 

Furthermore, poor sleep has been linked to cognitive decline and dementia. It’s also found to increase the risk of falling, cardiovascular disease, depression, and other health concerns.

Common Causes of Senior Sleep Problems

Many factors can contribute to sleep issues for seniors. Medical conditions are often accompanied by pain or nausea, which can be challenging to sleep through; conversely, certain medications act as stimulants. 

Having too much downtime throughout the day or feeling stressed can also hinder rest. When sleep problems are consistent, they may result from a disorder, such as restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement, or sleep apnea.

Ways Seniors Can Get Better Rest

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take. Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical and social activity is essential, not only to get better sleep but also for general senior care. 

Individuals should monitor their fluid intake before bed to limit the need to get up for bathroom breaks. You should set a comfortable bedroom temperature, remove distractions from the sleep environment, and avoid caffeine.

Lastly, develop a routine that lets the body know it’s time to wind down. For example, don’t use electronic devices for an hour before bed. Relaxing your muscles with a hot shower or bath may also induce the right mindset.

The teams at Provident Village at Creekside in Cobb County, GA, and Provident Village at Canton in Cherokee County know the importance of sleep for their senior residents. As such, these communities offer their assisted living and independent living residents opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle and nutritional diet so they can feel their best. Call (678) 210-7135 for Smyrna and (770) 450-5135 for Canton to schedule a tour of their grounds. Visit them online to learn more about their senior care services.