The Importance of Good Sleeping Habits for Seniors

Vancouver Senior Home Care  |  February 11, 2020

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Know About Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleeping Habits for Seniors | So many things change as we age and our sleeping habits are no exception. Sleep disorders are so common in golden years that it is estimated that nearly half of our elderly population experience some difficulties with falling asleep regularly.

Typically, those 65 and older should get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. However, getting an uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep may not be so easy for many older adults.

Sleeping Habits for Seniors and The Most Common Reasons for Sleeping Disorders:

• The process of aging causes a gradual reduction of hormones and chemicals that help us rest well.
• Sensitivity to outside factors known to affect sleep, including noise, room temperature, or light.
• Chronic conditions that may affect parts of the brain responsible for quality sleep, such as Parkinson’s or stroke.
• Chronic pain caused by arthritis or other medical conditions.

In addition to this, some seniors tend to nap during the day or fall asleep much earlier than usual and then wake up in the middle of the night. Others may struggle with insomnia. All of this can hurt one’s overall quality of life in different ways.

How Sleeping Habits for Seniors Can Have a Negative Impact:

• Lack of sleep can affect our memory and concentration, making simple, repetitive tasks more difficult to perform.
• Seniors who experience sleeping disorders are at a higher risk of falling.
• Insufficient rest affects mood and can cause depression and cognitive issues in the long run.
• Sleep deprivation may lead to headaches, body aches, and a chronic lack of energy.
• Constantly feeling tired can also contribute to illness as our immune system is set off balance.

Before seeking professional advice from their physician, seniors who have a hard time sleeping can try introducing certain changes into their daily routine. Encourage your senior Mom or Dad to consider these strategies for combating sleeping disorders:

Adhering to a sleep schedule – Going to bed and getting up at the same time can help restore the natural sleep rhythm.

Refraining from specific types of food before bedtime – Spicy foods, alcohol, and foods and beverages that contain high caffeine and sugar levels can significantly contribute to sleep issues.

Engaging a relaxing bedtime routine – Meditation, reading, or taking a long bath are just some of the relaxing activities often cited as good pre-sleep habits.

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.

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