by admin | Dec 14, 2016 | Blog |
Sleep is an essential part of life for people of all ages. It may be even more important for seniors, especially those battling various ailments. The proper amount of sleep is necessary to provide the needed energy to enjoy and make the most of each day. Unfortunately, insomnia is prevalent among the elderly. Not getting enough sleep can result in both mental and physical problems. It is crucial to deal with sleep issues as soon as they are detected. Do Seniors Need Less Sleep? The running belief that people need less sleep as they get older is simply not true. Studies show that an average adult requires a steady amount sleep from the beginning of adulthood all the way through. The exact amount of sleep needed varies from individual to individual, but is generally between 7 and 9 hours a night. The actual timetable for sleep hours may differ from that of a younger adult, as seniors tend to grow tired early in the evening and wake up very early in the morning. Causes of Sleep Issues Many factors can contribute to troubled sleep. There are four basic stages of sleep. Three of these stages involve non-REM sleep. The last and most therapeutic stage is REM sleep. The amount of REM sleep we get, tends to decline as we get older. Seniors also typically have more trouble falling asleep, and remaining asleep. Some factors causing insomnia or other sleep issues are: Arthritis Anxiety Concerns of aging Medication Restless leg syndrome Frequent urination Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is one of the more severe causes of troubled sleep. Sleep apnea is...
