Senior Health and Well-Being: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults Need?

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  March 14, 2024

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Know About the Importance of Sleep 

Seniors and Sleep | As we age, many facets of life transform. One aspect that often surprises us with its changes is our sleep patterns. #DYK that 46% of adults aged 65 and older experience challenges falling asleep and achieving restful sleep throughout the night regularly.

Seniors and Sleep FACT: Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults 60 & older

Seniors aged 65 and above are advised to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Nonetheless, achieving high-quality sleep can be challenging for them.

Seniors and Sleep – How Age Changes Sleep:

As we age, our bodies make less of the chemicals and hormones that help us sleep well. As a result, this causes some seniors develop sensitivity to environmental factors affecting sleep, including noise and temperature. Likewise, the parts of the brain that control sleep can become affected by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. While, arthritis and other conditions can also play a role in sleep quality due to chronic pain.

Moreover, All sleep disturbances can significantly diminish their overall quality of life. Seniors may find themselves drifting off to sleep earlier than their typical bedtime, awakening in the middle of the night, or grappling with insomnia. As a result, apart from affecting mood, inadequate sleep can result in memory problems and elevate the risk of falls.

Three Common Seniors and Sleep Health Challenges:

#1. Inadequate rest affects mood:

Not getting a full night of sleep can cause irritability, stress, problems with concentration, and mood swings. As a result, long-term sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive issues and depression.

#2. When seniors don’t sleep, their bodies suffer:

Headaches, body aches and weakness can sometimes be attributed to lack of sleep.

#3. Being tired can contribute to illness:

When tired, an older adult’s immune system doesn’t perform as well, opening the door to illness and infection. For example, some studies have shown that lack of sleep can lead to heart problems and diabetes and it has even been associated with an increase in risk of breast cancer.

It is important for seniors experiencing difficulty sleeping to consult their doctor for assistance. Yet, there are also a few strategies they can employ at home to enhance the quality of their sleep and achieve a more restful night.

Seniors and Sleep – Three tips for a better night’s sleep:

Tip #1 Having a Sleep Schedule:

Going to bed at the same time every night, and getting up at the same time every morning, helps a person adjust to a natural sleep rhythm.

Tip #2 Be Mindful About Eating Habits:

Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and a diet high in sugar can all cause sleep issues. As a result, eating and drinking close to bedtime can also be a problem for some – rather than having a full meal before bed, it’s better to have a light snack or warm milk.

Tip #3 Create an Individualized Sleep Plan:

Changing nighttime routines, and daily activities, can have an impact on sleep. In other words, people need to find out what works for them and create a schedule that they stick to – consistency is key!

Some people find that more physical activity during the day helps them sleep better. Others find that napping during the day makes it harder to sleep at night, while some aren’t affected.

Seniors and Sleep PROtip: Meditation before bed, a warm bath or reading at night can all be part of a sleep plan.

Seniors seeking to adjust their daily routines and establish healthier sleep patterns can turn to Comfort Keepers for support. We offer assistance with scheduling and routines, promote increased daytime activity, facilitate physician-prescribed exercise and dietary plans, and provide transportation to scheduled appointments.

Above all, improved sleep contributes to enhanced daytime well-being, and we aim to empower every client to lead a joyful life, regardless of age or level of need.

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

Many families prefer Comfort Keepers® when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, British Columbia. 

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. Comfort Keepers Vancouver also provides home care services like respite care, overnight care, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, personal care, and more! 

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

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Comfort Keeper’s philosophy is to elevate the human spirit, and our caregivers ensure your loved one experiences a better quality of life.

Trained caregivers help provide our senior clients with personal home care to help maintain the highest possible quality of life, keeping 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).

Bring The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live with Comfort Keepers®

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide elder care in homes throughout Vancouver, keeping 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. 

Personal Care and 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.

Accredited and Quality Respite Care Available 24/7 for British Columbia Families

Accreditation Canada has awarded Comfort Keepers® Vancouver with Exemplary Standing. This designation is only achieved after an organization’s policies, procedures, and processes undergo a thorough evaluation by industry experts to ensure they meet or exceed the stringent quality standards set by Accreditation Canada for Home Care companies.

References
Washington Post. “Sleep patterns can change with aging. Does that mean health troubles ahead?” Web. 2019.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Get Enough Sleep.” Web.
Health Magazine. “11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep.” Web. 2018.

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