Adults aged 60 or older often suffer from bouts of insomnia. The condition can last from days to even years, depending on the individual. Having insomnia entails difficulty falling or staying asleep, and older adults may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
*Taking a long time to fall asleep
*Having difficulty consistently sleeping
*Waking up exhausted
*Waking up sporadically during the night with difficulty falling back asleep
The problem with insomnia is that it becomes a poorly controlled habit. Many adults dread sleep simply because they automatically assume they will have trouble falling sleep. This becomes a vicious cycle that snowballs out of control.
Many older adults use OTC sleep medications to help them cope with insomnia. Though acceptable for occasional use, these drugs aren’t appropriate for daily consumption. Unfortunately, many older adults rely heavily on sleep aids in order to get their ideal amounts of sleep.
A much safer and better alternative to OTC medicines is developing good and healthy sleep habits. It all starts with the following:
*Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Many adults suffer from a condition known as sleep apnea. It entails not breathing for a few seconds when asleep. This process can happen numerous times during the night and can become dangerous. It often results in a number of medical problems such as hypertension, memory loss or stroke.
The problem is that sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. The telltale signs that you may suffer from it include waking up tired or snoring loudly during nighttime.
Sleep apnea is a problem that needs medical help right away. With the right treatment, you can get a much better night’s rest. Treatments may vary, but they can include changing sleeping positions to facilitate open airways. CPAP devices and surgery are also possibilities to help address this problem.
*Movement Disorders
Older adults also suffer from a number of movement disorder that may result in a lack of quality sleep. These can include problems such as restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder. Try the top 2023 Australian mattresses to help with sleep issues.
RLS or restless leg syndrome not only entails a feeling as if pins and needles are stuck in your legs, but it leads to a tingling and crawling sensation that worsens at night. Getting the right kind of treatment is essential.
PLMD or periodic limb movement disorder often causes patients to move or kick every minute or so. This is often eliminated through exercise, a warm bath or relaxation techniques.
REM sleep disorder is another medical condition that affects many adults. It involves extensive muscle movement during REM sleep which is detrimental to health and goes against natural bodily functions.