It’s probably not something you have thought about over the years, but as you age, you might not sleep as long or as soundly as you did when you were younger. Sleep difficulty is common as you age, and many people might have problems just falling asleep. Poor sleep habits can arise when you are aging and can continue to affect your sleep negatively. Irregular sleep schedules and daytime napping can contribute to this as well. Other common sleep problems may include:
1. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This can be a pause that lasts around 10 seconds. There are a variety of treatments, but the best thing to do if you suspect you have sleep apnea is to visit your doctor.
2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless leg syndrome is an intense discomfort, mostly in the legs, during the time you are at rest. This condition may make you feel like you always need to be moving or make you get up and walk around to relieve the discomfort. Treatments for this condition often include at-home remedies of soaking the feet and legs in a warm bath or engaging in regular exercise
3. Insomnia
Insomnia causes people to have difficulty falling or staying asleep. This can result in decreased daytime function. This condition is prevalent in adults and becomes even more common with aging. There are many proven ways to treat insomnia for older adults, ranging from exercise to meditation and therapeutic methods.
At Evergreen Senior Living in Decatur, our friendly caregivers offer a lovely and vibrant atmosphere where your loved one can thrive. Give us a call today at (217) 864-4300 to learn more, or take a virtual tour of our supportive living and memory support communities. We look forward to hearing from you!
