Quality Sleep Essential for the Elderly?
Quality Sleep: When people get busy, they often let their sleep schedule go first.
For example, if your elderly loved one is visiting their friends, going shopping, doing household chores, and taking time for themselves, they may not be going to bed at a decent time. If they aren’t getting quality sleep, this could be negatively affecting their health in many ways. It is essential that your elderly loved one gets quality sleep. You should remind them of why it is so important.
Elderly Care in Hendersonville NC: Sleep
Better Memory
One of the reasons why your elderly loved one needs quality sleep is to have a better memory. When people don’t get good sleep, their minds can’t consolidate information from the day. The mind can’t process and store memories. This means that when people don’t get the quality sleep their memory is worse than if they do get good sleep. If your elderly loved one isn’t getting the best sleep, remind them that they need to stick to a sleep schedule to improve their memory.
Living Longer
Research shows that people who don’t get enough sleep and people who sleep too much usually live longer than those who get the right amount of sleep. Studies have shown that people who get 5 hours or less of sleep most nights live shorter lives than those who get 7 to 9 hours of sleep most nights. If needed, you or an elderly care provider can help your loved one create a sleep schedule that works for them.
Reduced Inflammation
Studies have shown that people who get 6 hours or less of sleep every night have higher C-reactive protein in their blood. This protein is linked to a higher risk for getting heart disease, specifically for having a heart attack. Research also shows that people who get 6 hours or less of sleep every night have more inflammation in their body than those who get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. If your elderly loved one has inflammation that is causing them pain, remind them that getting the proper amount of quality sleep will help them to feel better.
Quality Sleep: Conclusion
Now that you know more about why quality sleep is essential for your elderly loved ones, you can remind them of why they need 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night. If your elderly loved one has been trying to get quality sleep, but they just can’t for some reason, you or an elderly care provider can take them to get a sleep assessment at their doctor’s office. Hopefully, the doctor can figure out what is going on and make a plan to fix it.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elderly Care in Hendersonville, NC, please contact the caring staff at CareHeartedly today. (828) 595-5734
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