A restful and deep sleep at night is an integral part of our overall well-being. The robust health of older adults or elderly citizens can be significantly affected by their sleep quality. As we age slowly, our sleep patterns keep changing. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, it is proven that people above the age of 65 need a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night.
Disturbed and restless sleep patterns can have drastic effects on the neurological health of elders. Old-age homes or assisted living facilities often address sleep issues in older citizens and try to give tailored solutions to improve their sleep.
Sleep Patterns in Older Adults
Sleep is defined as a physiological process that has different stages, which include REM or rapid eye movement sleep and deep sleep. As we age, our sleep tends to get lighter and more disturbed or fragmented. This development makes it difficult for older adults to fall asleep or stay asleep in a continuous flow.
Connection Between Neurological Health & Sleep
Sleep patterns and neurological health are correlated, especially in older citizens. Adequate sleep is necessary for normal cognitive functions like retaining memory, good concentration, processing information, and effective communication. Sleep disturbances can lead to neurodegenerative issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
On the other hand, neurological diseases can also impair brain functions that regulate healthy sleep patterns. Neurological illnesses can alter sleep cycles in older people. Patients can even suffer from hypersomnia of the nervous system, a critical neurologic sleep condition.
Elderly Sleep System in Assisted Living Facilities
Retirement homes are located in places that are quiet and peaceful. Normal city life disturbances and noise pollution are absent in these places. Elderly members living in these homes get quality rest in such quiet places. Moreover, many assisted living facilities are built around natural parks and greenery that offer soothing sounds. Some old-age home founders make real efforts to eliminate loud noises near their homes. This ensures the members get restful and sound sleep at night and even during day hours.
Relaxing Time for Elders
Nowadays people are so busy that they do not find enough time even to sleep. If you handle various chores besides office work, you may be working late and getting up early. This means that sleep hours are sacrificed to complete work. The beauty of assisted living facilities is that you do not have to stress about doing such mundane chores. Trained professional workers handle all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry services, which frees up your hours and you can relax with a nice hobby and nap any time you want. Some old age homes also let elders sleep in in the morning hours.
Engaging in Physical Activity
It is a known fact that we sleep much better after engaging in some physical activity. Senior citizens at assisted living facilities are encouraged to participate in various physical activities to keep them engaged throughout the day. Activities like gardening, walking, hiking, cycling, and yoga can wear you down physically so that you enjoy a deep sleep at night.
Good Healthy Food
One of the most common causes leading to bad sleep is poor nutrition and indulging in fatty foods. For instance, drinking strong beverages like coffee before bedtime can give you poor-quality sleep. Thankfully, at retirement communities, you are given nutritious and balanced meals that have been prepared with care. This can boost sleep patterns and help conserve energy to do more physical activities during the day before going back to your room or singular apartment for a restful sleep.
Moreover, old age homes provide soft comfortable beds, pillows, and bedding. During the winter season, all rooms are provided with heat and insulation. This keeps the old age centers warm and cozy.
5Ways Adopted by an Assisted Living Facility to Improve Sleep Patterns in Older Citizens
- Making changes in lifestyle and offering environmental respite
- Establishing a disciplined and fixed sleep schedule and giving a conducive sleep atmosphere
- Encouraging light to medium physical exercises and activities
- Limiting unnecessary screen time and drinking stimulants at night
- Offering professional care and guidance to solve sleep-related issues in elders
Limiting Screen Time & Unhealthy Stimulants
Electronic devices can weaken your eyes and also interfere with your daily sleep pattern. Older adults are not encouraged to reduce their use of mobile and television in the late evening hours so that they get better sleep. Similarly, having caffeinated drinks can also hamper your sleep, especially just before going to bed. So elderly in assisted living facilities are requested to stay away from these habits before retiring to their rooms at night.
Getting Professional Guidance
Sleeping disorders and persistent sleep issues may require the intervention of health experts. Care homes often provide therapeutic remedies and natural treatment for the elderly dealing with insomnia and other sleep-related problems. Sleep specialists at The Golden Estate help in identifying and finding the underlying root causes contributing to the lack of proper sleep in older adults.
Why choose The Golden Estate?
At The Golden Estate, we recognize the special sleep-based needs of elderly citizens and have addressed the sleep issues of the members. We provide in-house psychotherapists and psychologist care plans to ensure that the sleep patterns of the elders are studied and individual needs are considered.
Trained and experienced caregivers help members with bedtime routines, provide night companionship (for those who need it), and create a wholesome sleep environment to promote a sense of comfort and safety for the older citizens during the night hours. By integrating these steps, The Golden Estate team understands the relationship between the sleep quality of an individual and his neurological health.
Psychologists note down the basic sleep pattern of every elderly member and the impact of sleep on individual neuro functions. Such interventions can pave the way for inducing suggestions and therapies to improve the sleep routine among the elderly residing in our premium assisted living facilities.
