In a society focused on productivity, sleep is often viewed as one of the first things that can be skipped when times get busy. While cutting down on sleep isn’t good at any age, it’s particularly hard on seniors. For older adults who need motivation to maintain their sleep hygiene practices, here are a few reasons getting enough sleep is important during the golden years.
Reduce the Risk of Fall-Related Injuries
Staying alert is critical for senior safety. Seniors who are overtired are more likely to make mistakes such as tripping over cords or rugs. Simply going to bed on time each night helps seniors be aware of what they’re doing during the day so they can reduce the risk of falling.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Enhance Memory Retention
Sleep deprivation can lead to brain fog. This is especially true for seniors who need time during their sleep cycle to renew the connections between the neurons in their brain. Seniors should strive to get at least six to eight hours of sleep every night to keep their brains functioning properly.
Maintain the Immune System
In addition to strengthening neural connections, sleep helps the body repair the injuries it sustains during the day. Proper sleep hygiene is often recommended for seniors who are recovering from illnesses or injuries. For some seniors, it may even be necessary to take short naps during the day to get enough sleep while they recover.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Rocklin seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Promote Emotional Wellbeing
Seniors may feel agitated from a lack of sleep, and they must watch out for mood swings caused by sleep deprivation. For instance, a senior may be prone to the symptoms of depression after a night of going without sleep. Ideally, a senior’s bedtime routine should involve dimming the lights and engaging in a quiet, soothing activity, such as reading. Focusing on relaxing activities before bed can alleviate stress and help seniors feel better in the morning.
Increase Energy for Exercise
When recovering from injuries or illnesses, seniors are often prescribed therapeutic exercises they may find challenging. For this reason, seniors should make sure their sleep is restful enough that they have the energy needed to complete their daily exercise routines.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elder care. Rocklin Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.