Oakville home care experts would all agree getting a good night’s sleep is essential to a senior’s wellbeing, but there are many factors that can lead to insomnia. Here are the top 5 reasons why your elderly loved one might be losing too much sleep.
1. Pain
Older adults may have chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer that cause pain, which can easily affect the quality of sleep. Whether your loved one has difficulty falling asleep initially or staying asleep after the pain begins, pain-related insomnia can get worse over time. Finding the best treatment for the pain may reduce the risk of further sleep interruption.
2. Medication
Elderly individuals sometimes take medications that interfere with their sleep patterns. This type of insomnia can be difficult to correct because your loved one requires the medication, yet he or she still needs to try and get proper rest. It is important for your loved one to report any sleep-related side effects to his or her physician to see if there are other alternatives.
3. Anxiety
Many older adults lie awake worrying about personal problems such as the loss of a spouse, a move to an assisted living facility, or their own health. Life changes or stressful events can impact your loved one’s ability to fall asleep, but the emotional support of family or an Oakville caregiver can help alleviate his or her anxiety.
4. Frequent Urination
Changes in bladder habits can naturally occur as your loved one ages, but dietary choices and certain medications can also impact the need to urinate frequently. Since waking up at night to use the bathroom can be disruptive to sleep patterns, treating the problem at its source may help your loved one sleep better.
5. Poor Sleep Habits
Sometimes nightly habits can contribute to sleeping problems. Your loved one may need to adjust his or her bedtime activities. Watching television before going to bed may be relaxing for some seniors, yet others may prefer to read or exercise. Having a calm environment with the proper temperature and bedding can also be an important part of maintaining healthy sleeping habits.
Hopefully, understanding the causes of insomnia helps secure healthier sleep conditions for your loved one. For other ways to promote your loved one’s health, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We provide live-in and hourly care Oakville families can rely on, with compassionate caregivers who ensure your loved one’s comfort and safety. To learn more about our senior care services, call (905) 337-1200 to speak with a Care Manager and schedule a free in-home consultation.