Senior Sleep Problems: What You Should Know About Sleeping Patterns as We Age

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  April 7, 2021

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Sleep and Sleep Problems

Senior Sleep Problems | Many older adults are worried about their health and wellbeing if they are unable to get a good night’s rest. While some conditions can affect sleep and require immediate action (like sleep apnea, arthritis, restless leg syndrome, etc.), most seniors can resolve their sleep problems with simple lifestyle changes.

Senior Sleep Habits: What Changes as You Age?

With age, sleeping patterns normally change. Older adults may complain that they are not sleeping as well as when they were younger, but changes in sleeping habits are indeed a natural part of aging. For example, seniors tend to go to bed and wake up earlier than younger adults. Seniors can also become light sleepers, meaning they can frequently wake up during the night. And older adults generally sleep less than younger adults (according to some estimates, seniors sleep as much as 15% less than younger people).

So, while all of this is normal, these kinds of sleeping changes can be very frustrating for seniors. As a result of sleep problems, older adults can feel tired throughout the day, have difficulty falling asleep in the evening, or experience frequent insomnia episodes.

Senior Sleep: How to Improve Your Sleep

But there are ways to solve sleeping problems and help older adults sleep better (and thus feel better physically and mentally). Here are some proven tips that can help you or your loved one get a good night’s sleep every night:

• Establish and follow a sleeping schedule. This means going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time every day.
• Do not take long naps during the day. While it can be hard to resist taking a nap after a restless night, napping can only make it harder to fall asleep in the evening.
• Be active during the day and engage in regular physical activity.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening.
• Spend time outdoors, in the sun.
• Do not read, watch the TV, or browse the internet in bed. The bed should be for sleeping only.
• Engage in a relaxing activity before going to bed, like taking a shower or bath.

These tips and tricks should be able to help resolve any sleep problems you or your loved one may have. However, if the sleep problems persist despite making healthy lifestyle changes, you should talk to your doctor to determine the cause of the problems and get adequate help.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. 

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Respite Care, Overnight Care, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ delivers a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients’ exact needs. 

Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC

Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live.

We are proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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