Sleep Changes in Seniors: Is It Time to Consider Overnight Care?

Victoria Senior Home Care  |  April 7, 2021

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Sleep and Changes in Sleep

It’s important to pay attention to Sleep Changes in Seniors. Sleep patterns and habits are normal to change with age. However, waking up too often in the middle of the night and being tired after waking up are not considered a normal part of aging.

Sleep Changes in Seniors: Insomnia

Insomnia is very common among all age groups, but seniors are the most affected by it. As many as 25% of adults 65+ report symptoms of insomnia. Many seniors think they have insomnia because they do not sleep as well as they used to. But, not sleeping as well as when they were younger does not mean they suffer from insomnia.

This may sound confusing, so let us take a closer look at what are normal sleeping changes in senior years. To begin with, seniors often go to bed earlier in the evening and also wake up earlier in the morning. This is considered normal, due to the changes in the internal body clock that regulates sleep. It is also normal for seniors to become light sleepers, that is to spend less time in deep sleep (and to sleep less overall). And if a senior wakes up during the night, it is also nothing to worry about – seniors sleep as much as 15% less than younger adults.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these problems with sleep, it is fairly easy to solve them. But suppose the problems are caused by serious health conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, depression, arthritis, or side effects of medications. In that case, it is best to consult with a medical professional.

Sleep Changes in Seniors: How to Improve Sleep with Overnight Care

So, how can you sleep better or help your loved one get a good night’s sleep? Here are some tips that may help:

• Establishing a regular sleeping schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same time every day)
• Avoiding long naps during the day
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Spending plenty of time in the sun
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Make sure the bed is for sleeping only (not spending time in bed reading, watching TV, etc.)

If you are still stuck, you should consider talking to a doctor. But for most seniors, changing a couple of lifestyle habits should do the trick, drastically improving their sleep and overall wellness, too.

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

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

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

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes

If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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