Everyone needs their beauty rest – it is vital to our health regardless of age. While we sleep, our brain and body have the opportunity to recharge and restore energy levels, both physically and cognitively. But is a good night’s sleep even more important as we get older?
A common myth about sleep is that aging adults need less sleep than the average person. This is simply not true. According to Mayo Clinic, adults age 20 years and older require about the same amount of sleep, but as we age our natural sleeping patterns may change. Older adults tend to sleep more lightly and for shorter spans of time. Although the amount of sleep a person needs depends on various factors, especially age, the general recommendation for adults is 7 to 9 hours
Why is Sleep Important for Seniors?
It’s simple. As our body ages, the risk of injury increases and we become more susceptible to illness. Not only does the body need time to rest and repair to prevent physical issues including falls, but good sleep also allows the immune system the recovery necessary to fight disease and illness. Research also shows that individuals who consistently operate with just a few hours of sleep each night don’t perform as well mentally on complex tasks as those who achieve seven hours or more of sleep each night. Poor quality sleep can also lead to memory loss and forgetfulness, since the brain does not have the chance to fully recharge each night.
Common Sleep Issues and Treatment Tips
In addition to the many physical changes that occur as we age, changes to our sleeping patterns are also normal. Common sleep issues which may rob seniors of a good night’s sleep include:
- Insomnia
- Restless leg syndrome
- Frequent urination
- Physical pain
Another common sleep issue that can be debilitating to some is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which an involuntary stoppage of breathing occurs while a person is sleeping. Individuals with untreated sleep apnea will stop breathing several times, sometimes hundreds of times, a night. This leads to the brain and body not getting enough oxygen. The most common treatment option is CPAP therapy, which can ease the symptoms and help prevent heart problems and other complications that can result from sleep apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment where the individual wears a mask over the nose and mouth while sleeping. The CPAP mask is connected to a small machine that delivers continuous air flow to the nose, which in turn encourages regular breathing.
Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment offers a wide selection of CPAP masks and supplies as well as pillows. Let our experts assist you with finding the right comfort and fit for you.
By making some simple changes to your sleep routine, the quality of sleep can improve in no time. Some tips to achieve proper sleep are:
- Follow a regular bedtime routine, including sleep and wake times
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow
- Limit naps during the day
- Avoid caffeine later in the day
- Limit liquids late in the day to prevent frequent urination
Growing older doesn’t mean you will have sleep issues for the rest of your life. While you may need to accept some changes to your natural sleep patterns, understanding what causes the disruptions and trying these and other simple tips will help get you back to quality snoozing. Remember, it’s important to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and if you’re having trouble achieving that, talk to your doctor.
Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is the premier home medical equipment provider serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs with quality equipment and outstanding customer service. We enable you to stay safe and live independently in your home by offering a comprehensive array of home medical equipment and oxygen supplies, including CPAP masks and supplies. The friendly staff at each of our locations is educated and experienced with the current insurance procedures and can work with your insurance company to ensure your CPAP needs are covered.
Your health and well-being are too important to trust to just anyone. Let the caring professionals at Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment assist you with the home medical equipment and other healthcare and oxygen supplies you need. Stop in any of our eight Minneapolis and St. Paul metro locations or contact us today with questions, concerns or comments.
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