Why Your Senior Loved One Sleeps So Much

People tend to receive less deep sleep as they age compared to what they used to obtain when they were younger. Older people’s sleeping habits are often disrupted by more frequent toilet requirements, arthritic aches, and other physical issues such as increased sensitivity to sounds, maintaining an appropriate sleep temperature, and even the balance and comfort of a senior’s mattress.

One of the most typical strategies to compensate for disrupted sleep is to take more daytime naps. As a result, it is common for elderly individuals to nap more often, feel weary and drowsy suddenly, and even go to bed sooner than usual. In most cases, there is no cause for alarm.

However, if you find that your loved one is sleeping more than usual or sleeping for most of the day, this might be an indication of a bigger issue. It is essential to figure out what’s creating their demand for additional sleep and address all environmental issues. Here are some reasons why your seniors’ sleeping pattern may change.

Circadian Rhythm Aging

Adults in their 50s and 60s are more likely to notice a decrease in both the quality and length of their sleep. Changes in the ticking of its internal master clock are often to blame. The hypothalamus area of the brain houses the body’s clock. This Master Clock is in charge of regulating your daily cycles by sustaining the circadian rhythms.

Circadian rhythms make you weary before bed, hungry after meals, and enthusiastic during work and play. The body’s clock has a strict timeline for releasing special chemicals known as hormones, which trigger these critical body processes.

This section of the brain ages with us. As the specific brain cells that comprise the Master Clock in the hypothalamus age, their activities deteriorate. As a result, the critical timeframe may get distorted to some extent. One of the most typical symptoms of a failing hypothalamus is feeling awake when you should be sleeping and vice versa.

They May Not Have Regulated Melatonin

However, a failing hypothalamus is not the only factor that might jeopardize normal sleeping patterns. It is generally known that circadian rhythms are influenced by the light of the sun. Sunlight is essential for creating and controlling melatonin, or “sleepy time” hormone. Melatonin is eliminated from the body’s chemical activity as the sun rises. Melatonin is replenished when the sun sets and the body prepares for sleep.

Because many seniors do not go outdoors and expose themselves to the entire spectrum of sunlight as often as they should, their melatonin cycle might be disrupted. It is more difficult to fall asleep, and sleep quality suffers when melatonin is not properly regulated and produced.

Diet Can Play a Huge Role

The stuff we consume may also influence how much sleep we get. A substantial amount of data suggests that consuming processed, spicy, and fatty meals and those with a high glycemic index might be particularly detrimental to sleeping patterns.

Alcoholic drinks may make a person feel weary and drowsy. Still, they also have an effect on the quality of their peaceful sleep, making a senior feel fatigued and sluggish the next day. Caffeine is another big detractor from having a good night’s sleep and may contribute to disrupted sleep patterns.

How Home Care Can Help

If your senior loved one is struggling to get enough sleep at night, it could be time to bring in help. Home care providers can be there to help your parent with many different aspects of overall health that can promote better sleep. Getting regular exercise during the day, eating health meals, avoiding alcohol and caffeine and keeping consistent sleeping hours can all be beneficial for your senior. Consider the many benefits of home care for your senior today.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/sleep-aging

If you are considering home care in Centerville, OH, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home of Dayton today at 937-870-2015.