Bethesda Home and Retirement Center has begun a revolution in nursing home care. The first major step involved in the cultural change was allowing its residents to sleep in, according to the Chicago Tribune.
While some nursing homes continue to keep patients on a strict daily schedule, some are drastically changing the way they manage patient care.
Although the regimented schedule ensured patients received their medications properly, it was also extremely disruptive to patients’ sleep.
Sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk for weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even mortality. It is also associated with a decrease in awareness, cognition and mood. While these consequences are of great concern in the general population, older adults often already have compromised mental and physical health, and these factors can be particularly dangerous for this population.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, our sleep needs change with age. As we grow older, people tend to sleep less deeply and wake up more frequently during the night. Many older adults tend to get sleepier earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning.
While many believe that poor sleep is a normal part of aging, it is not. Sleep schedules and habits may change; however, disturbed sleep and waking up tired every day is not considered normal. Older Adults experiencing these problems could be suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Biological and hormonal changes that occur in later adulthood, such as menopause and a decrease in the secretion of melatonin may interrupt sleep. Physical and mental problems and the medication used to treat them may also disturb a person’s sleep.
Older adults who are suffering from sleep problems can take several steps on their own to try to improve their sleep. Some ways to increase and improve your sleep include creating a nightly routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (even weekends) and avoiding caffeine and exercise within 3 hours of bedtime.
If these changes do not improve your sleep, you should contact a sleep expert in order to determine if you are suffering from a sleep disorder.
