For many seniors, getting the appropriate amount of sleep at night can be challenging. Instead of falling asleep immediately, they tend to toss and turn all night long. As people age, their sleep schedules often change, not always for the better. Here’s a look at the types of sleep and how seniors can manage a healthy sleep schedule.
The Two Types of Sleep
For seniors with insomnia, understanding sleep cycles is important. Experts split sleep into two distinct categories. The first is non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which ranges from light to deep sleep. The second type of sleep is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, where the eyes dart back and forth and the muscles are immobilized. This is the most active sleep stage, meaning it’s the stage where active dreams are most likely to occur.
Over the course of one night, the body cycles between light and deep sleep. As people age, the amount of time spent in REM sleep tends to decrease. They also experience increased sleep fragmentation, which means they wake up multiple times throughout the night. These disruptions of the standard sleeping schedule leave many seniors feeling unsatisfied with their sleep.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Sleep Regulation
There’s a reason most people feel awake in the daytime and sleepy at night. It’s because of the circadian biological clock, a 24-hour body rhythm that reacts to the sunlight. This clock is responsible for several biological processes, including the regulation of melatonin, a hormone that promotes healthy sleep.
However, older people tend to produce and secrete less melatonin than younger people. This means their circadian rhythms may not function as well as they used to. Melatonin triggers the urge to sleep, but it doesn’t necessarily promote lasting, unbroken sleep. Seniors who find it difficult to fall asleep may want to try taking melatonin supplements a few hours before bedtime.
Other Reasons for Poor Sleep
Changes in REM sleep and melatonin production can impact a senior’s sleep cycle. However, these aren’t the only reasons older adults have difficulty sleeping. They may wake up more often because they’re more sensitive to loud noises, they may be taking medications that disrupt their sleep schedules, or they may have medical conditions that make getting a full night’s sleep difficult. Despite these challenges, it doesn’t mean they can’t get an ideal amount of sleep.
Caring for a loved one with poor sleep hygiene can be overwhelming at times. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Garland, TX, Ambience In-Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
The Ideal Sleep Schedule for Seniors
Seniors should aim to get about seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Many seniors go to bed early and wake up early, which is fine as long as they’re getting the recommended amount of sleep per night.
Older adults who are having difficulty sleeping should follow regular schedules. They should try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to keep their bodies in sync with their circadian clocks. They should also try to get some natural light each day, as the circadian clock is affected by sunlight. It’s also important to establish a safe, comfortable sleep environment, such as a quiet, well-ventilated bedroom.
In Garland, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Ambience In-Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (469) 573-4213 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.