Caregivers who specialize in elderly care know that getting an adequate amount of sleep constitutes an essential part of senior health care. It's important to manage elderly sleep disorders so that your loved ones get the rest they need to remain healthy and active.
If a person has sleep apnea, they stop breathing many times during the night causing them to jerk awake. The brain may technically forget to send signals to muscles that regulate breathing to take a breath. Some patients stop breathing over 100 times in a single night. There are several causes for sleep apnea such as stroke or heart attack. A visit to the doctor will help determine the problem.
Restless leg syndrome can happen at any time to anyone. It may be attributed to heart or kidney disease. These diseases can cause some uncomfortable sensations in the elderly person that urges them to move their legs continually to find relief. If this becomes a problem and keeps a person from sleeping, a doctor's appointment should be scheduled.
REM sleep behavior disorder is another condition that causes the person to move while they are asleep. The person moves as they are moving in their dreams. They may talk, kick, or punch at things. This condition is common in patients who have dementia and Alzheimer's. Due to the violent movements the patient will sometimes make, it's important they see a doctor to find out what is causing the disorder.
When an individual has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, they may be experiencing insomnia. Stress and sometimes the side effects of certain medications may be the culprit if a person can't relax enough to sleep. Talk to the patient's doctor to find out what can be done.
Sleep disorders have a variety of causes and symptoms, however, you can consult a physician who specializes in elderly care to find out what can be done. In-home health care services can be considered to provide your senior loved one with the quality elderly care.
Contact us today to learn more about elderly sleep disorders and how we can help you with our professional home care services for the elderly.
