Sleep Disorders
How to Overcome Sleeping Problems in Dementia
Try these tips to help someone experiencing sleeping problems in dementia get a better night’s rest.
If it seems like a senior with dementia has completely rewritten the rules on when and how to sleep, you’re not dreaming. For reasons that aren’t yet fully understood, sleeping problems in dementia are quite common. Changes to the senior’s circadian rhythm lead to drowsy days and sleepless nights.
The development of the disease is one contributing factor. Damage to brain cells causes increased weakness, making everyday tasks and activities exhausting. Medication side effects from commonly-prescribed dementia treatments can further exacerbate the issue.
Why Is a Good Night’s Sleep Crucial for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s?
Decreased sleep quality in dementia may bring about an increase in restlessness and delusions, and can cause serious safety concerns, such as the potential for an … Read More »
4 Safer Alternatives to Sleep Medication for Seniors
Sleep medication for seniors can, in some cases, be dangerous.
What could be better than waking up well rested after a full night’s sleep, feeling energized and ready to face the day? For some seniors – as many as one in three – getting sufficient sleep is something that only happens in their dreams. And sadly, it’s a common assumption that lack of sleep is something we just need to accept in our later years – a misconception that Preeti Malani, M.D., chief health officer and professor of medicine at the University of Michigan wants to dispel. According to Dr. Malani, “If older adults believe that these changes are a normal, inevitable part of aging, they may not think of it as something to discuss with their doctor. And not discussing it can potentially lead to health issues not … Read More »
6 Steps to a Good Night’s Sleep for Seniors
For seniors who struggle with sleep problems, these tips can help.
A restful night’s sleep isn’t easy for many seniors – and for those who provide care for them. When the sun goes down, seniors can find it is a challenge to relax and fall asleep, or to remain asleep through the duration of the night. Sleepless nights then lead to sluggish days that can do more than just make someone feel sleepy. In fact, a chronic lack of sleep can impact a person’s overall health, making good sleep on a regular basis vitally important.
Taking steps to proactively prepare for a restful night’s sleep can help older adults and their caregivers get the sleep they need now to prevent health problems in the future. Try taking the steps below to improve sleep patterns:
Get regular exercise: Exercising several hours before … Read More »
The Most Common Senior Sleep Disorders and When to Seek Help
Details on common senior sleep disorders are provided by Hired Hands Homecare here.
Getting consistent, sufficient sleep can be a challenge for many older adults, due to a number of senior sleep disorders. And the effects of these disorders can be troublesome: extreme fatigue, concentration and memory problems, and sleepiness. Ensuring that your senior loved one gets enough rest each night is beneficial not just for the senior, but for you as a family caregiver as well. The following are some of the most common sleep problems for seniors, and the red flags that point to a need for medical intervention.
RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome): Restless leg syndrome is a neurological movement disorder that displays through an overwhelming urge to move the legs during periods of rest and relaxation. Someone with RLS may also experience a creeping, pulling, or tingling feeling in … Read More »
