Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Important for Austin Seniors

While it’s normal for seniors to occasionally have sleep problems, seniors who experience sleep pattern changes that last for longer than two weeks should see a doctor, the American Geriatrics Society says.

“Generally for optimal function, the body and mind need about eight hours of sleep each night,” said Dr. Charles Cefalu, a member of the American Geriatrics Society. Because sleep affects everyone differently, he said seniors shouldn’t count the hours of sleep they get to determine if it’s right for them, but should take note of how they feel the next day.

Common signs of a sleep disorder may include excessive snoring, frequent waking through the night, morning headaches, being tired but having trouble falling asleep, loss of appetite, and not feeling rested in the morning, HealthDay News reports.

Cefalu offers these tips to help seniors get a good night’s sleep:

• Maintain a sleep schedule with consistent sleeping and waking hours.
• Don’t consume caffeinated beverages and foods after 2 p.m.
• Eat a light dinner earlier in the evening to help prevent restless sleep.
• Get rid of unnecessary light in the bedroom. Even light from a digital clock or TV can disrupt sleep cycles, so try turning the clock away from the bed and refrain from falling asleep with the TV on.
• Exercise for 30 to 40 minutes per day, three or four days each week.  This will help promote a more restful sleep.
• Do not take long naps during the day if you have trouble falling asleep at night.

 

Home Care for Austin Seniors – (512) 347-9207.