 |
Changes
in sleep patterns over age 65
Sleep difficulties are common
among older individuals. Typical symptoms for individuals
over age 65 include problems falling asleep and maintaining
sleep, early-morning awakening, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
A variety of reasons keep seniors from getting enough rest.Each year,
one-third of Americans over age 65 fall*. Twenty to 30% of
those who fall suffer injuries that reduce their independence
and mobility. Falls also increase the risk of premature death.†
|
|
Effects of lost sleep
Losing sleep can contribute to accidents and falls. Sleep
disordered breathing can also seriously impact pulmonary,
cardiovascular and central nervous system functions. There
is also a strong correlation between hypertension and sleep
apnea. To feel refreshed after sleep, the number of hours
total needs to be sufficient (usually eight) and needs to
be sychronized with the individual's internal clock, or circadian
rhythm of sleep and daytime alertness.
Tips for restful sleep
Dr. Robert J. Luchi of the Huffington Center on Aging
suggests the following strategies for better sleep: Gradually
eliminate caffeine from the diet; avoid eating a heavy meal
or drinking alcohol before going to bed (also preventing heartburn
or interrupting deep sleep); exercise daily but focus on relaxing
activities before bed; eliminate as many interruptions as
possible; keep waking activities (such as television or doing
paperwork) out of the bedroom; get out of bed when sleep won't
come and read a book or listen to music until sleepy; soak
legs or feet in a warm bath to ease restless leg syndrome.
Ask a health practitioner to help if the problem persists
Source:
Dr. Robert J. Luchi, MD, Baylor College of Medicine, Huffington
Center on Aging
http://www.hcoa.org/newsite/articles/index.asp
Back
to Home
•
why
we age •
aging population •
senior
falls •
elder
exercise •
senior
brain power
•
• food
for thought •
elder
sleep • elder
abuse • fraud
protection • crime
protection • social
isolation • loss
•
|
