Insomnia In Seniors – Everything you need to know

Insomnia more commonly known as sleeplessness is a sleep disorder in which an individual may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. It is common at any age but senior loved ones above age 60 are most likely to fall prey in the hands of this sleeping disorder. Insomnia if, left untreated for a long time can take a serious toll on the health of our dear seniors. 

Symptoms of Insomnia 

Insomnia may be short-term that lasts for a month or less but chronic insomnia can last much longer. Senior loved ones who suffer from insomnia may experience the following symptoms

• Difficulty falling asleep at night 

• Walking up during the night and having difficulty in going back to sleep again

• Waking up very early in the morning and feeling extremely tired

• Irritation and depressed mood.

• Restlessness, Headache, and not able to concentrate 

Causes of insomnia in seniors

• Short Term Insomnia in seniors can have various causes such as the death of their spouse, shifting to a new place, tensions in the workplace, etc, and can cause temporary sleep  fluctuations 

• But Chronic Insomnia can be caused due to an underlying chronic condition. Neurological diseases such as Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis( MS), and Parkinson’s can also cause serious sleep disturbances exacerbating other symptoms.

• Many factors can cause insomnia, The main reason our beloved seniors wake up at night is to go to the washroom. This is often caused due to prostate enlargement in men and continence( the ability to control movements of the bowels and bladder) problems in women.  Moreover, arthritis, menopause in women, and Heartburn can also add to the woes.

• Lifestyle choices of our senior loved ones can also cause insomnia in senior loved ones. Leading a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough sunlight can upset the “Circadian Cycle” that regulates the sleep-wake cycle of the human body.

• Excessive smoking and drinking can also affect the sleep quality of our senior loved ones.

• Our senior loved ones may also suffer from insomnia due to the aging process that cannot be reserved.

Treatment of Insomnia in Seniors 

 Doctor’s Assistance

To treat insomnia in seniors, the underlying condition that is causing insomnia needs to be detected and treated first. Elder Care Service Providers in Kolkata provide doctors and pathology assistance services that can be availed for your senior loved one suffering from insomnia. A doctor can help treat the underlying issues thus helping your senior loved ones with sleep.

You can also follow some of these tips to help your senior loved one with insomnia lead a healthy life 

Sticking to a fixed schedule:-

Ensure your senior loved one goes to bed and wakes up every day at the same time including on weekends. This will help the body to adjust according to the schedule.

Exercising:-

Regular exercise can help your senior loved ones get a sound sleep. But consult a doctor before starting any exercise plan for your beloved senior.

Afternoon naps-A big no-no:-

Discourage your senior loved one from taking afternoon naps because he/she will be  more likely to stay awake at night due to this

Let them take time to calm down:-

Let your senior loved one calm his/her mind before going to bed and how can it be done? Tell your senior loved one to turn off mobile phones, tabs, and television an hour before going to bed. Reading a book or listening to soothing music can help your senior loved one feel calm and get ready for a sound sleep.

A warm Bath Can Help:-

Taking a warm bath before bedtime can help your senior loved one get a sound sleep. It will help him/her feel relaxed and slow down, making your beloved more ready for a night of sleep. 

Less fluids at night:-

Make sure your senior loved one  drinks less water at night because consuming more water can increase the urge to go to the washroom disturbing his/her  sleep 

This is what you need to know about insomnia in seniors. Choosing a healthy lifestyle and following a doctor’s advice can help your senior loved one fight insomnia and lead a healthy life.