We all need sleep. A good night’s sleep is as important to our overall health as exercise and healthy eating. The truth is, however, that many of us don’t get an adequate amount of sleep each night. This is especially true for senior citizens. As Sarah Stevenson points out on APlaceForMom.com, a good night’s sleep is necessary for feeling energetic and clear-headed the next day. But it is also an important way to limit cognitive impairment later in life.
“Unfortunately, older adults are more likely to have health issues that disturb their sleep, such as insomnia or sleep apnea,” Stevenson reveals, “A 2011 study at the University of California, San Francisco, showed a clear association between sleep-disordered breathing in older women and the risk of cognitive impairment.”
Sleep problems are even more pronounced in older adults with Alzheimer’s.
Stevenson goes on to explain that brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease are major culprits for difficulty sleeping, nighttime wandering and daytime napping. As a result, it’s important for caregivers to find ways to help their elderly loved ones find ways to enjoy more sound and restful sleeps.
Nighttime wandering was mentioned as an issue had by many senior citizens. As LiveAnew.com explains, it’s important to find ways to limit an elderly person’s need to get out of bed at night. “Many elderly get out of bed to use the bathroom, get drinks, or simply because they can’t sleep, are uncomfortable, or are bored,” reads the website, “Find ways to circumvent these things, and prevent the need to get up all together. “
Eliminating needs can prevent slips and falls.
LiveAnew.com suggests some methods of eliminating the need for your elderly loved one to use the bathroom at night. The need to use the bathroom is a top reason seniors get out of bed at night. “Help your elderly loved one stay in bed by providing bathroom assist products,” the site suggests, “Overnight adult diapers, bed pans, under pads, urinals, and other products can decrease the need to get out of bed, and thus reduce the risk of slips, falls, and other nighttime hazards.”
You’ll also want to ensure that night lights are placed in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways. In the event that your elderly loved one does need to get out of bed, it’s important that he/she is able to see his/her way around. There are circumstances, however, where it is best that your elderly loved one not get out of bed on his/her own. Preventing a fall from the bed to the floor is of extreme importance for those with mobility issues.
Install safety rails to prevent falls.
“Safety rails can also help to keep an elderly person in bed at night, as they protect them from falling out of bed during the night, and can help them support themselves so that when they do leave the bed, be it day or night, they have something to hold on to as they climb in and out of bed,” LiveAnew.com informs, “This extra support is great for helping maintain balance when groggy, or in the dark.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we proudly offer such accessibility features for the bedroom as super poles, grab bars, ceiling lifts, bed rails and M-rails. For more information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
