Sleep Disorders in Seniors

Sleep disorders are quite common in seniors and are related to several things, including the use of tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, or unhealthy sleep habits and comorbid diseases. As you get older, sleeping patterns change causing problems such as trouble falling asleep, not getting quality sleep, or waking up frequently during the night.

Here are some of the most common sleep disorders among the elderly:

1. Insomnia: When seniors are suffering from insomnia, they have difficulty falling asleep at night. The common causes on Insomnia are: poor sleep patterns, medical illness, stress, lack of physical activity, isolation and more.

2. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: The brain releases serotonin and melatonin when darkness falls as a signal to the brain that it is time to sleep. However, due to circadian rhythm disorders, the brain does not respond to such signals. As a result, serotonin levels become inadequate, which results in erratic sleep or wake patterns.

 

3. Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in older people as compared to younger adults. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include use of certain medications, excessive daytime sleep, diabetes, consumption of alcohol, genetic factors, smoking, and obesity. Loud snoring is often the first symptom that an older adult is suffering from sleep apnea.

4. Rapid eye movement sleep-behavior disorder: This is caused by the loss of normal skeletal muscle Antonia during the stage of sleep. Patients with this sleep-behavior disorder appear to react to their dreams and may punch, kick, or jump out of bed in response to dream imagery.</li>

5. Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia refers to excessive sleep. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time. For instance, at work or while they are driving. Head injuries often result in hypersomnia.

A good night’s sleep can be achieved with proper treatment, plus some dietary and lifestyle changes. However, if you are unable to manage your health issues that are causing disturbed sleep, you should look for professional care.

If your health is constantly declining, you can also consider moving to assisted living facility where you will receive the right level of care and support you need. To find the right Assisted Living Community In Columbus, get in touch with Always Best Care. For more information, call (614) 284-6764.