What are the signs of insomnia and tips for overcoming it in seniors?
25-06-24
Everyone has a sleepless night now and then, but having difficulties falling or staying asleep on a regular basis can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. This can become a bigger issue as we become older.
One of the most frequent sleep disorders in seniors is insomnia. Insomnia symptoms affect up to 48% of older persons.
What is insomnia meaning?
A person suffering from insomnia has difficulty falling and staying asleep. Inadequate sleep at night can lead to daytime tiredness and interfere with your regular activities.
Insomnia Symptoms
Aside from becoming more "light sleepers" as we get older, it's natural to desire to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. You may also feel the need to sleep longer at night or to take more naps. Most of the time, such sleep variations are normal and do not suggest a sleep disorder. However, if you routinely encounter any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder such as insomnia in seniors:
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Having difficulty falling asleep while being fatigued
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Having difficulty returning to sleep after being awakened
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Don't feel rested after a good night's sleep
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During the day, you may feel irritable or tired.
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Have trouble staying awake while sitting, watching TV, or driving?
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Having trouble concentrating during the day
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Sleeping medications or alcohol are used to help you sleep.
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Do you have difficulty controlling your emotions?
Tips for overcoming insomnia
One of the first things your doctor could suggest is making your bedroom as comfortable and tranquil as possible. Your bedroom should ideally be quiet, dark, and no warmer than 75 degrees Fahrenheit (about 23 degrees Celsius).
You should only sleep in your bed. Avoid using your phone, working, playing video games, or watching TV in bed. Your doctor may also advise you to do the following insomnia tips to help you sleep better at night:
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Get some exercise and eat some healthy foods.
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Tobacco and caffeine should be avoided.
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Go to bed only when you're exhausted. A good night's sleep might be harmed by lying awake in bed. If you've been lying awake in bed for 20 minutes and haven't felt exhausted, get up and do something else until you do.
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Commit to waking up at the same time every day and avoid taking naps during the day.
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Keep a sleep journal. Keep track of how much time you spend sleeping and awake, how long it takes you to fall asleep each night, and other key patterns. A doctor may advise you to limit your time in bed each night until your sleep improves based on your sleep diary data. You can start going to bed earlier after you can sleep for at least 90% of the time you spend in bed.
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If these therapies are ineffective, your doctor may recommend sleep medicines for insomnia cure.
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Choosing proper insomnia medicine for older persons necessitates a great deal of thought and attention. Before taking any insomnia medicine, you should always consult your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthy Wrinkles does not recommend or offer any medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. The information provided here is only for the awareness of disease or ailment among individuals, caregivers, and the public. The advice of doctors, licensed professionals, or therapists who are knowledgeable about your particular situation should always be sought before using the information provided here. It should also not be used in the event of a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you want urgent assistance, contact a qualified medical professional. Additionally, the information represents the author's views and not those of Healthy Wrinkles.