A good night’s sleep is a need for better health. But as people get older and develop several medical conditions, it becomes harder to get a decent sleep. Disturbances in sleep are a major thing that cause older people to experience weariness, memory problems, and a general reduction in well-being. Therefore, it is important for a family to properly handle pre-existing health disorders and the newly developed sleep deprivation for the patient.
You can hire services of day and night care in Kingston Upon Thames, Croydon, or Bromley to get the required assistance. These services are beneficial so that you do not face any problems and the patient has someone to take care of them. But why are 24×7 care services helpful? Read this blog to know.
Common Sleep Disorders in the Elderly
Sleep disorders among the elderly are of many types and all have specific and unique difficulties. You should be able to understand the disorders properly when you are seeking appropriate care and interventions for better results.
1. Insomnia
The most common and major sleep condition that affects older adults is insomnia. This sleep disorder causes trouble getting asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. It can happen due to anxiety, depression, side effects of drugs, and persistent pain.
Night and day caregivers establish a regular bedtime routine to foster relaxation. They help manage medication to ensure stimulants or sleep-interfering medications are taken at suitable times. They also offer emotional support with relaxation activities such as reading or light stretching to facilitate stress reduction prior to bedtime.
2. Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is rather dangerous because it causes breathing to stop and start again while one is asleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most prevalent type of sleep disorder and is caused by excessive throat muscle relaxation that blocks the airway. As a result, a person may experience daytime weariness and choking while also snoring loudly.
24×7 carers observe breathing patterns during sleep so that intervention can occur at the right time. They assist in the CPAP treatment management to ensure that the masks are worn accordingly and are cleaned properly. They also inspire weight management and exercises in order to lessen the severity of the apnoea.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS leads to the development of an uncontrollable impulse to move the legs constantly. This is generally known to worsen at night. So, it becomes harder for the person to fall and stay asleep. This sleep disorder is also often associated with iron deficiency, kidney disease, or nerve problems.
Caregivers provide gentle leg massages and warm compresses to ease discomfort. They encourage regular movement during the day to reduce symptoms at night. Most day and night care services in Croydon, Bromley, or Kingston Upon Thames assist with dietary adjustments. This ensures that seniors get enough iron and other essential nutrients.
4. REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD)
Individuals with this disease sometimes replay their dreams aggressively. It is more common in individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, among others with neurological diseases.
These caregivers establish a safe sleep environment by removing sharp objects and padding furniture to prevent injury. They also ensured night supervision to prevent wandering or falls when sleeping. In addition, coordinate with medical professionals for medication adjustment if necessary.
5. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle is disrupted by ageing, leading to disorders like advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS), which causes elderly people to wake up too early in the morning and feel sleepy very early in the evening.
They use light therapy to help reset the sleep cycle and promote exposure to natural daylight and activity throughout the day. Caregivers available around the clock also modify meal and nap schedules to enhance nighttime sleep.
Also learn how care agencies provide pain relief and mobility support to people in need of them.
Final Thoughts
Just like everyone, sleep disorders are bound to have a substantial influence on an elderly person’s quality of life. So when you hire day and night care services, they provide an effective remedy, even at night. Carers efficiently help manage their sleep circumstances by offering constant support so that whenever they wake up, they feel good and refreshed.
If you want to book carers for day and night care in Kingston Upon Thames, Bromley, or Croydon, contact Priory Care Services today! Enhance general health and well-being. Think about hiring a professional 24×7 care provider if any elderly family member has trouble falling asleep.
