A common issue for aging adults is that they either have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep. Understanding why this can happen allows families to figure out what they can do to make the situation easier for seniors to manage. Some of the possible causes may require medical assistance to overcome, so it’s a good idea to involve doctors in what’s going on. Home care assistance can help with some of these concerns, allowing both seniors and family caregivers to get better rest.
Cognitive Changes
Changes to brain function, like Alzheimer’s disease or a brain injury, can cause seniors to experience sleep issues. Seniors may also feel restless or anxious, especially if they feel confused or upset. This might mean that they have more trouble getting to sleep or they wake up a lot overnight. If the cognitive changes they experience make it difficult for seniors to distinguish the time of day, they may feel disoriented overnight and have trouble sleeping. Home care providers who understand these cognitive changes is really helpful.
Health Issues
Other health issues can also impact sleep for seniors. Seniors with diabetes may experience overnight blood sugar lows, for example. This can cause them to wake up and feel out of sorts. Frequent overnight urination is another health condition that can make it difficult for seniors to sleep. Talking to medical providers and getting help with these specific issues is an important step.
Medication Side Effects
Sometimes the medications seniors take is the culprit. The medication may help with the health issues, but side effects can make it more difficult to stay asleep or get quality sleep. If the side effects are especially difficult to manage, seniors might want to talk to their doctors about making a change.
Lifestyle Issues
When they eat their last meal or snack of the day or when seniors get their last round of caffeine could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Home care assistance can help seniors pay attention to what lifestyle issues are potentially contributing to their sleep problems. Sometimes a small shift can make all the difference.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes also make a difference in how well seniors are able to sleep and whether they have trouble staying asleep overnight. After menopause, many women experience difficulty with sleep. But all seniors experience lowered melatonin production, which is a hormone that helps with sleep. As melatonin production decreases, sleep is much more difficult to get, especially consistently.
Sleep issues are often incredibly frustrating. When seniors have a lot of trouble getting the sleep they need, they may find it more difficult to engage in activities they enjoy and they may have more trouble concentrating and enjoying their lives. Home care assistance can help seniors to adopt routines that support their sleep needs and other issues they may have trouble managing on their own. That help may make it easier for family caregivers to get the sleep they need, too, so they can better support aging adults.
If you are considering home care assistance in Bay City, 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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