As people get older, their sleep patterns can change, making it harder for parents to sleep well at night. It’s undeniable that energy levels and overall health also decline as we enter old age. That’s why proper rest and quality sleep greatly influence the physical and emotional resilience of older adults.
So, how can parents sleep comfortably throughout the night? Let’s take a look at the causes of sleep difficulties in the elderly and how to overcome them.
Causes of Sleep Difficulties in Older Adults
Difficulty sleeping at night can be caused by various factors, and these reasons may vary from one individual to another. One cause is the decline in brain function, which normally sends signals of fatigue and drowsiness to the body.
In addition, several triggers may lead to insomnia in the elderly. Here are other common causes you need to know:
Health Problems
Health issues experienced by older adults can make it difficult to fall asleep on time. Such conditions include breathing disorders like sleep apnea, joint pain, and arthritis, which can make sleeping uncomfortable.
Stress and Anxiety Disorders
Responsibilities related to family or work can lead to feelings of worry. High levels of stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep in older adults.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are more commonly experienced by seniors. Shifting hormone levels contribute to changes in one’s sleep schedule.
Uncomfortable Environment
Noisy surroundings, sudden temperature changes, or excessive lighting at night can disrupt sleep quality. Make sure your parent sleeps in a dim, quiet room, free from glowing electronics, and kept comfortable.
Effects of Medications
As age increases, health often declines, requiring medication to support overall wellness. However, some medications can cause side effects, including sleep disturbances.
How to Help Older Adults Sleep Soundly
According to a study published in Neuron, sleep duration gradually decreases with age. It’s no surprise that sleep disorders like insomnia become a normal part of aging.
Although sleep issues in older adults are common, it’s still important to stay alert to potential problems. Chronic insomnia can worsen their health. So, here are several tips to help manage insomnia and ensure parents can sleep better at night:
Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule
Even if it’s difficult to fall asleep, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This helps train the body to adjust to sleeping at the proper time.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy habits can improve sleep quality. Start by eating nutritious foods, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol.
Avoid Eating Too Late
Give your body enough time between dinner and bedtime to digest food properly. Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine or soda.
Limit Electronic Devices
The light from TVs and smartphones can interfere with sleep. Avoid watching TV late at night to make it easier to fall asleep. You can also use dim night lights.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Ensure the bedroom is clean and tidy to help support restful sleep.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Make sure parents wear clean and comfortable clothing—not too thick or too thin. For those who use adult diapers, change them before bedtime to avoid excessive moisture and maximize absorbency throughout the night.
Parents Sleep Better All Night with Parenty
Older adults experiencing health issues such as urinary incontinence may worry about diaper leaks or dampness that disrupt comfort and sleep. Leaky diapers or the frustration of having to change bed sheets every morning can create mental burdens that further disrupt sleep.
Parenty is an adult diaper brand that offers two types: tape diapers and pants-style diapers. Parenty provides comfort while helping maintain hygiene for individuals with specific needs. These diapers offer maximum protection without sacrificing comfort.
Here are the advantages of Parenty diapers, equipped with advanced features:
- Made with absorbent pulp and SAP core materials with excellent flexibility.
- Soft surface that is gentle on sensitive skin.
- 3D surface to reduce friction and minimize the risk of skin irritation.
- Fast and maximum absorption.
- High capacity: tape diapers hold up to 900 ml and pant diapers up to 600 ml.
That’s the explanation about why older adults may struggle to sleep at night along with tips to overcome it. Parenty adult diapers help enhance comfort for seniors so they can enjoy a peaceful and restful night’s sleep.
