Thursday, August 10, 2017

Why Seniors Need to Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep


    

In a society focused on productivity, sleep is often viewed as one of the first things that can be skipped when times get busy. While cutting down on sleep is not good at any age, it is particularly hard on seniors. For older adults who need motivation to maintain their sleep hygiene practices, here are a few reasons getting enough sleep is important during the golden years.

Reduce the Risk of Fall-Related Injuries

Staying alert is critical for senior safety. Seniors who are overtired are more likely to make mistakes such as tripping over a cord. Simply going to bed on time each night helps seniors be aware of what they are doing during the day so they can reduce the risk of falling.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Prescott families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Enhance Memory Retention

Sleep deprivation can lead to brain fog. This is especially true for seniors who need time during their sleep cycle to renew the connections between the neurons in their brain. Seniors should strive to get at least six to eight hours of sleep at night to keep their brains functioning properly.

Maintain the Immune System

In addition to strengthening neural connections, sleep helps the body repair the injuries it sustains during the day. Proper sleep hygiene is often recommended for seniors who are recovering from an illness or injury. For some seniors, it may even be necessary to take a short nap during the day to get enough sleep while they recover.
 Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in home care. Prescottseniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Promote Emotional Wellbeing

Seniors may feel agitated from a lack of sleep, and they must watch out for mood swings caused by sleep deprivation. For instance, seniors may be prone to the symptoms of depression after a night of going without sleep. Ideally, a senior’s bedtime routine should involve dimming the lights and engaging in a quiet, soothing activity such as reading. Focusing on relaxing activities before bed can alleviate stress and help seniors feel better in the morning.

Increase Energy for Exercise

When recovering from an injury or illness, seniors are often prescribed therapeutic exercises that they may find challenging. For this reason, seniors should make sure their sleep is restful enough that they have the energy needed to complete their daily exercise routine.
Exercising during the day also helps seniors get better sleep, and maintaining good sleep hygiene can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Seniors with Alzheimer’s have much to gain when their families opt for professional Alzheimer’s home care. Prescott, Arizona, families can rely on compassionate and dedicated caregivers to help their elderly loved ones manage the various challenges of Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. If your aging loved one needs assistance managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of cognitive decline, turn to Home Care Assistance at 928-771-0105.

Changing the way the world ages!    


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