Are you struggling to sleep well at night? It’s a common issue for many older adults. You might toss and turn all night and feel tired the next day. This post will explore common causes of insomnia in older adults and offer tips to help.
8 Causes of Insomnia in Older Adults and How to Address Them
1. Stress
Worries about work, health, or family can keep your mind buzzing when it’s time to rest. Stressful events like losing a loved one or facing a major life change can also affect your sleep.
2. Travel
Your body has its clock, controlling when you feel sleepy or awake. Messing with this clock, like jet lag from travel, can disrupt your sleep schedule.
3. Bad Sleep Habits
Going to bed at different times, taking long naps, or being super active before bed can sabotage your sleep. The same goes for using gadgets or working in bed.
4. Late-night Eating
A light snack is fine, but overeating before bed can leave you feeling too full or cause heartburn. Both issues can make it difficult to sleep.
5. Mental Health Issues
Anxiety or depression can mess with your sleep. Often, these cause you to wake up too early or struggle to fall asleep.
6. Medications
Some prescription drugs can make sleep difficult, like certain antidepressants or meds for asthma. Even over-the-counter drugs like pain relievers or cold medicine can contain stimulants.
7. Health Problems
Conditions like chronic pain, diabetes, or heart disease can mess with your sleep. So can sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
8. Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol
Coffee, cigarettes, or alcohol might seem relaxing, but they can cause sleep issues.
How to Address Insomnia
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Stay active during the day.
- Try not to nap too much.
- Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Avoid big meals or lots of fluids before bed.
- Make your bedroom cozy and only use it for sleep.
- Wind down before bed with a soothing routine like a warm bath or reading.
- If the issues persist, consult your doctor.
While insomnia can mess with your nights and days, there are ways to address it. Don’t be shy about asking for help; it’s the first step toward better sleep!
Spring House Senior Living
At Spring House, we understand that finding the right senior living community can be challenging. That’s why we offer a variety of amenities and services to cater to different needs and preferences.
Schedule a tour of one of our communities in Cartersville, Lithia Springs, or Louisville today, and discover why Spring House is the ideal choice for senior living.
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