We all know that sleep is one of the most important things for our health. It helps us feel rested, allows our bodies to recover from any damage we’ve experienced throughout the day, and helps us stay sharp and focused throughout the day. Of course, as we get older, our need for sleep increases—and with dementia patients, in particular, their need for rest becomes even more important. Unfortunately, many aging family members with dementia can experience problems that make it difficult for them to get a good night’s rest at night. Thankfully, you can take some simple steps to help your loved one have a better sleep during their time in memory care in Bexar County, TX.
How Much Sleep Is Enough?
The amount of sleep you need changes throughout your life, but aging family members can typically get by with about 7.5 to 8 hours each night. A good way to tell if your loved one is getting enough rest is by looking at their eyes: If they look red or puffy, then it’s possible that they’re not getting enough sleep. You can help them get more shut-eye by turning down lights and noise levels in the home before bedtime and encouraging them to use a sleep aid if necessary.
Even though we tend to associate lack of sleep with irritability and fatigue, this isn’t necessarily true for people who are elderly or have Alzheimer’s disease—in these cases, a reduction in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep often precedes cognitive decline rather than being caused by it. So while an older loved one may seem grouchy when they haven’t had enough sleep over time due to dementia-related disruptions like wandering around at night and having difficulty falling back asleep after waking up early in the morning—it doesn’t mean that poor quality rest has caused any memory problems yet!
How Does Lack Of Sleep Affect Dementia Patients?
Sleep is a crucial part of health. When you’re well-rested, your mind and body are at their best, allowing you to function optimally. A lack of sleep can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health as it increases your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Improving Sleep With Memory Care In Bexar County, TX
With dementia patients especially vulnerable to sleep problems due to the confusion that comes with the disease, it’s important that they receive adequate care from those who understand what they need. At Discovery Village At Dominion in Bexar County, TX, we specialize in providing a safe environment where all residents can get the rest they need to continue living their lives fully each day!
Next, it’s important to keep your loved one mentally and physically active throughout the day, so they aren’t too tired at night when they go to bed. It’s also a good idea to ensure that there are no distractions from lights or ambient noise in their bedroom at night since this can also interfere with restful sleep.
Our trained caregivers will assist you in ensuring they get all the nutrients they need, which could be a factor in their insomnia. In addition, we offer activities that promote good sleeping habits, such as exercise and meditation.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand sleep’s importance for those with dementia. If your loved one is struggling with sleep issues, contact us today for more information about how we can help.
