As we get older, our sleep patterns change. We spend less time in deep sleep (REM) and dreaming than we did in our youth. We may have problems falling asleep (sleep latency) or staying asleep (sleep fragmentation), sometimes waking repeatedly throughout the night. We may wake up tired and be sleepy throughout the day. So how do older adults get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep they need each night?
We know that, at any age, we need quality rest to be healthy. Sleep allows our body to rest and restore its energy levels. Without it, we can suffer a host of sleep deprivation problems, including depression, irritability, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, increased risk for accidents and overall reduced quality of life. Let’s look at the importance of sleep for elderly adults and some common sleep problems associated with aging. These tips may help you or your loved one achieve a restful night’s sleep — this week and every week.
Sleep Problems and Aging
If you’re struggling to get the recommended hours of sleep each night, you’re not alone. Studies show that 33% of Americans describe their sleep as fair or poor. For adults 65 and older, one in four say their sleep was fair or poor. Why? There are several common factors that can cause sleep issues for older adults, including:
- Illness or pain: Feeling sick or being in pain can make it difficult to sleep. Health conditions like arthritis can be painful and keep you awake in bed. Diabetes or an enlarged prostate can cause frequent nighttime bathroom trips.
- Medications: Some prescription drugs make it harder to fall or stay asleep, or they may even stimulate you to stay awake.
- Worry or grief. Aging brings many life changes. Losing a loved one, moving from your family home or going through an illness all can be stressful, which can hinder your sleep. People who “worry a lot” are three times more likely to not sleep well.
- Sleep disorders: If your sleep problems are persistent, you may have a medical disorder. See your doctor if you think you suffer from insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder or REM behavior disorder.
- Too much downtime. Many people stay active well into their golden years. But if your days are too idle, you may find it harder to get good sleep.
- Poor mental health. 81% of Americans can’t get a good sleep due to mental activity keeping them up, such as racing thoughts and feelings. Depression and aging are a common but unfortunate pairing and can affect many aspects of physical, emotional and mental health.
The Importance of Sleep for Elderly Adults
Sleep remains a key component to maintaining overall well-being for older adults. Those aged 65 and older should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, which doesn’t differ much from younger adults. Yet, many older adults sleep less than they did when they were younger.
Getting a good night’s sleep can help maintain cognitive functioning, preventing incidents such as slips and falls. Not getting enough sleep can lead to cognitive decline in the long run. Poor sleep can contribute to both mental and physical health conditions in older adults, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, dementia, hypertension and obesity.
Tips to Improve Your Sleep
While not getting much sleep maybe common for older adults, it shouldn’t be accepted as normal. The good news is you can usually improve your quantity and quality of sleep by identifying the underlying cause of your sleep problems and making small lifestyle changes. Try these simple tips to improve your sleep.
Follow a Regular Schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Keeping a regular sleep schedule sets the body’s circadian clock, a 24-hour internal rhythm affected by sunlight. Waking up at the same time each day is the best way to set your “internal clock,” even if you did not sleep well the night before. Sleeping in to catch up on lost sleep only perpetuates the problem.
Develop a Bedtime Routine: Do the same things each night to tell your body that it’s time to wind down. Make the transition with relaxing activities an hour or so before bed, such as reading a book, listening to soothing music or soaking in a warm bath.
You can also consider elder proofing a bathroom for those moments at night when you do need to get up, such as adding a nightlight or safety rails. This way, you can remain comfortable and safe even in a groggy state with low lighting.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Space: A quiet, dark and cool environment can help promote sound sleep. Draw your blinds and curtains, set the room temperature to comfortably cool and use earplugs or a fan to drown out extraneous noise. Also, make sure you have a comfortable mattress and pillows. (Tip: Most mattresses wear out after 10 years.)
Keep Electronic Devices Out of the Bedroom: The light from your television, computer, cell phone or tablet can stimulate your brain and make it difficult to fall asleep. Also, avoid stressful, stimulating activities at bedtime. If you tend to take your problems to bed, try writing them down and then putting them aside.
Use Your Bedroom Only for Sleeping: Give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. Struggling to fall asleep only leads to frustration. Go to another room and do something relaxing, like reading or listening to music until you’re tired enough to sleep.
Avoid Too Much Daytime Napping: A 20-minute power snooze can improve your energy and help you get back to your day recharged. But long or late-day naps can be problematic for sleep sufferers. If you must nap, keep it short and before 5 p.m.
Exercise Regularly: Daily exercise improves the quality of your nighttime sleep and helps you sleep more soundly — as long as it’s done at the right time. Try to finish exercising at least three hours before bed or work out earlier in the day. Try a special baby boomer exercise routine to ensure you’re getting the right kinds of movement, like muscle and bone strengthening activities and those that have a low impact on the joints.
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Cigarettes: Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can keep you awake and should be avoided at least four to six hours before bedtime or entirely. Even small amounts of alcohol can make it harder to stay asleep.
Find Help from FirstLight
Whatever you do, don’t accept being tired as part of getting older. The importance of sleep for elderly adults can’t be stressed enough, as when you improve your sleep, you improve your health and longevity. Whether you’re caring for a sick parent or are noticing a difficulty in sleeping for yourself, there are a multitude of resources available to assist you. FirstLight Home Care can provide the help you need for daily living so that you can find the peace of mind that will promote healthy sleep habits. Find a location near you today, and you’ll be on your way to a better night’s sleep.