As you age, your sleep patterns do change. For many seniors, sleepiness arrives earlier and this leads to them getting up earlier. It can be harder for a senior to fall into a deep sleep, so they find themselves waking multiple times each night. Medications may change sleep patterns or even lead to insomnia. If you find your mom is sleeping more, it may not be more than old age. However, there are other reasons she may be sleeping more, so you need to get to the bottom of it.
What is Her Diet Like?
Is your mom a tea or coffee drinker? If she’s drinking a cup of tea or coffee within four hours of bedtime, the caffeine may be keeping her up. The longer it takes her to fall asleep, the longer she’ll sleep in the next morning. Limit her caffeine intake from late afternoon on. Caffeine is in more than tea and coffee. Keep her from having a lot of chocolate before bed.
Does She Have Alzheimer’s?
If your mom has Alzheimer’s changes in sleep patterns is normal. She may have a harder time falling asleep at night. She’ll compensate by sleeping in each morning or taking naps. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, people with Alzheimer’s may spend up to 40 percent of each night struggling to fall asleep and making up for it with naps during the day.
Could She be Depressed?
Depression affects many elderly men and women. If your mom is isolated and has few friends or other visitors, depression may be to blame for her sleep changes. Depression is also common in seniors with chronic illnesses or a disability. If there’s a possibility that your mom is depressed, talk to her doctor and arrange to make sure she has caregivers around for companionship each day or week.
What Medications Does She Take?
Some medications cause insomnia. If your mom is on a prescription medication, check the side effects and see if insomnia is one of them. Your mom’s doctor should be informed. Among the drugs that can cause insomnia are medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, beta blockers, antihistamines, antidepressants, and Alzheimer’s medications.
Talk to a senior care service about having caregivers check on your mom regularly. Caregivers can be your eyes and ears when you have to work. Plus, in situations where your mom is feeling lonely or isolated, caregivers help with rides and companionship around the house.
If you or an aging loved one are in need of senior care in Dix Hills, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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