Boomer and Senior Living 2019 • Cottage Grove Sentinel • (541) 942-3325 • 13
The Importance of Good Sleep
A
good night’s sleep affects much more than
how you feel the next day. With age, it’s not
uncommon for sleep habits to change. Most se-
niors notice they are ready to fall asleep earlier in
the evening and wake up at later hours.
As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin,
which can lead to slight disruptions throughout the
night. However, if you experience disturbed sleep,
are tired when you wake up or experience other
aspects of insomnia, there may be serious underly-
ing issues.
Learn more information regarding your sleeping
patterns and if you should visit a specialist, from
the American Geriatrics Society.
Common Sleep Problems in Seniors
Problems with sleep can lead to numerous issues
for older adults. Here are a few of the most com-
mon types they experience.
Insomnia: a condition which causes you not to fall
asleep when you think you should, causes you to
stay asleep or gives the feeling you have not slept
enough once you wake up.
Sleep apnea: a condition that may cause seniors
to stop breathing during sleep. A lack of oxygen
causes some to wake
up gasping for air. This
condition may lead to
diseases such as high
blood pressure and heart
conditions.
Restless Leg Syndrome:
a condition that causes
people to repetitively
kick their legs during
sleep. While it may not
wake you up, it’s likely
your legs will be sore in
the morning and it will
affect your comfort and
ability to rest.
What You Can Do
Your actions throughout the day can play a huge
role in how well you sleep. Take the advice from
the group Health in Aging to set yourself up for a
full night’s rest.
• Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol in the later
part of the day;
• Eat smaller portions before bedtime;
• Follow a strict sleep schedule and routine; and
• Exercise regularly, especially early in the day.
Reach Out for Help
If you have tried to make yourself tired and are
still having diffi culty sleeping, visiting a special-
ist is the next step. Through tests and studies, they
can fi nd what is keeping you awake.
They may choose cognitive-behavioral therapy,
medical management or sometimes prescription
medicine to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Health Care Directives
W
hen you become too frail or sick to make
your own decisions on end-of-life health
care, the emotional strain is passed to your family
or loved ones. Not only can this cause incredible
stress, the avenue they take may not be the route
you had in mind. Be open and honest about your
fi nal wishes.
Don’t procrastinate when creating an advance-care
plan. Age isn’t the only factor that should be con-
sidered. A medical crisis that leaves you too ill to
make your own decisions could strike at any time.
Emergency Treatment
Without a solid health care directive in place,
family members may be tasked with making dif-
fi cult decisions for your treatment. Here are a few
common instances you must have clear and legal
instructions regarding, as suggested by the Na-
tional Institute on Aging.
• CPR: If your heart begins beating with an abnor-
mal rhythm, it can be life
threatening. Discuss with
your family your opinions
about resuscitation so
they can determine if CPR
should be administered.
• Ventilator: When you
are unable to breathe on
your own, a ventilator can
be used to keep you alive.
It usually includes a tube
which is connected to your
trachea to ensure you’re
receiving enough oxygen.
• Comfort care: Deciding
how to keep you comfort-
able while suffering is
another factor you should
have clear instruction for. Consider instances like
limiting medical testing, spiritual and emotional
counseling, and pain medication.
Types of Facilities
Visit different facilities to make the decision on
where you will stay if you become disabled to the
point you can’t take care of yourself. It’s impor-
tant to have a plan for different stages of life. Here
are a few to consider.
If you require minimal assistance to live your day-
to-day life, an assisted living community is a great
option. You have the freedom to reside in your
own space yet receive help in areas like laundry
services, prepared meals and personal care.
A nursing home is a better option when you need
constant assistance from medical professionals.
Here, you can receive 24-hour supervision and
help with daily necessities like bathing, grooming
and medical management.
In-home care is a great option for someone who
wants to stay at home while receiving the same
benefi ts as an assisted-living facility. While it can
be expensive to call on medical professionals to
come to your home, it is a very comfortable option
for those needing help.