Caregiving to elderly parents is never an easy job, especially for inexperienced family members. Children will always want the best for their parents to enjoy their old age smoothly and healthily.
While it is widely known that a physically active lifestyle is needed to reduce the risk of unhealthy ageing, most don’t consider the hours of sleep the elderly require.
In some situations, the caregiver might notice that their elderly are sleeping too much whether at night or in the afternoon. Is this a good thing for the elderly or the beginning of a decline in their quality of ageing?
Contrary to public belief that too many naps are bad for your health, it is actually just what the elderly need, ample sleep and good rest. The elderly may be seen to sleep more as they age, but the truth is, the daytime naps are for them to make up for their disturbed night sleep.
More than 40% of the elderly are reported to experience at least one symptom of insomnia causing them to have trouble falling asleep and have fewer hours of sleep at night.
The lack of quality sleep may lead to more health concerns such as daytime fatigue and the risk of falling. A new study suggests that a daytime nap of around one hour is ideal to regain their energy while improving the elderly person’s cognitive function.
Research shows that sleep duration is imperative in preventing dementia and premature death among elderly adults. The elderly are prone to face sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or urinary incontinence that hinders their sleeping time.
Some tips for better sleep for seniors
1. Caregivers should encourage the elderly to exercise regularly by taking them for a walk and giving them a light massage to comfort their body.
2. Reduce sugary and caffeinated drinks and snacks, especially in the afternoon. If you’ve seen kids on a sugar rush, know that the elderly can experience the same effect too.
3. Review their prescribed medication and check for any ingredients that may inhibit sleep.
4. While daytime naps are good for the elderly, avoid irregular naps which are too close to each nap session. Keep watch on their nap time and check on them once in a while.
5. Limit fluid intake before their bedtime to reduce their midnight trips to the toilet.
If the elderly still experience difficulty falling asleep at night, your caregiver should get professional advice from a doctor.
This article was written by Fariza Kasani, a Care Manager with Care Express, and reviewed by Andrew Mastrandonas, Co-founder and CEO of Care Express, a company that provides a range of elderly at-home caregiving services, sending trained and certified professional caregivers and nurses to clients’ homes. For more information go to Care Express.