Sleep is the key to good health, and when seniors aren’t getting enough sleep or getting quality sleep, it can affect their physical and mental well-being. If your parent has trouble sleeping at night, 24-hour home care may help them relax and get better quality sleep. Sometimes seniors who are living alone get anxious and depressed at night. Having a care provider with them around the clock soothes many seniors. They feel more secure knowing someone is there to help them if they need it no matter what time of day it is.
Seniors who aren’t getting enough sleep may experience health problems like:
Cognitive Decline
Lack of sleep can significantly impact cognitive function. For seniors, this is particularly concerning as it can lead to memory problems, decreased attention, and difficulties with problem-solving.
Studies have shown that insufficient sleep is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The brain needs restful sleep to consolidate memories and clear out toxins accumulated during the day.
Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a faster decline in cognitive abilities and impair daily functioning. So if your senior mom or dad isn’t getting enough sleep it could cause long-term damage to their cognitive abilities.
Depression and Anxiety
Sleep disturbances are closely associated with mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety. Seniors who do not get adequate sleep may experience mood swings, irritability, and a sense of hopelessness.
Depression can also make it hard for your senior parent to sleep, leading to a cycle that can be challenging to break. That’s why getting restful sleep is so important for seniors. Having 24-home care is a great way make sure that your mom or dad feels safe and less anxious at night.
Cardiovascular Issues
Sleep plays an important role in heart health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to increased blood pressure and higher levels of stress hormones, which strain the heart.
Seniors are already at a higher risk for heart disease, and poor sleep can raise that risk even higher. Studies indicate that individuals who regularly sleep less than six hours per night may have a higher likelihood of developing heart conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
Weakened Immune Function
A good night’s sleep is also important for keeping the immune system strong. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and make seniors more vulnerable to illnesses like colds and the flu.
A compromised immune system can also make it harder for your mom or dad to recover after an illness, heart attack, or stroke. Seniors should be getting at least eight hours of healthy sleep to keep their immune system strong.
Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries
Poor sleep can impair coordination and reaction times, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries in seniors.
Sleep deprivation affects balance and motor skills, which are critical for maintaining independence and safety. For older adults, falls can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures or head injuries, often resulting in long-term complications.
Having someone with your mom or dad around the clock will help them improve the quality of their sleep. And, someone will always be there to help them get around the house safely.
If you are considering 24-hour home care in Sugar Land, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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