Do you know, that as much as approx. 50% people after 50. year of life suffers from insomnia, a u 20% of seniors, sleep problems are chronic? When there is not enough sleep or the quality of it leaves much to be desired, the whole body suffers from it. Your mentee suffers from insomnia? Check how you can help him.
The influence of sleep on the human body
Sen, as long as he is healthy, can do a lot. What are his powers?
- It improves your well-being.
- It improves the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Supports immunity.
- Regulates the activity of the endocrine system.
- It prevents overweight and obesity.
Consequences of insomnia
Untreated sleep disorders cause high blood pressure, annoyance, worsen well-being, and even increase the risk of developing depression. Therefore when you notice, że Twój The pupil ma problem ze snem – try to help him.
The causes of insomnia in the elderly
What could be the causes of sleep disorders?
- Diseases and their symptoms, e.g.. bothersome pain in the spine, problems urinating, breathing problems.
- Mental disorders: anxiety and depressive states, dementia syndromes, psychosis, Personality disorder (the most common cause of insomnia).
- Chronic stress.
- Pain ailments.
- Influence of medications taken.
- Inadequate sleep hygiene.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Improper diet.
- Drinking water and tea before going to bed.
- Dinner too late.
- Changes in the rhythm of the day.
How to help an elderly person with insomnia?
Bet on physical activity
Seniors often avoid physical activity. They are afraid of possible injuries, pain or exercise. Then it is worth talking about it with the student / ward and encouraging them to start being active. Important, to adjust the intensity of movement to the state of health, doctor's recommendations and senior citizen's preferences. Sometimes a short walk or a short exercise in bed is enough.
Choose the right diet
The diet of a senior should include products rich in tryptophan, such as: Knowledge about healthy eating habits of a senior includes general principles of proper nutrition, pumpkin seeds, lean meat, the fish, milk products. In addition, meals should be served at fixed times, and eat dinner at the latest 3 hours before bedtime.
Encourage you to skip daytime naps
It can be difficult to cut back on naps during the day, especially at the beginning. However, it is worth paying attention to, because falling asleep adversely affects the quality of sleep at night. Also, make sure that your mentee gets up and goes to bed at fixed hours.
Take care of your child's sleep hygiene
What affects the quality of sleep? The conditions under which the senior sleeps are of great importance: is it lying on a comfortable mattress and pillow, whether the temperature and lighting in the room is adequate. Sometimes it is enough to change the pillowcases to those made of natural fabrics, to improve the quality of rest and sleep.
Organize your time
Perhaps your mentee has some passion, to which he wants to return? Support him in this and encourage him to be active. Time well spent gives a sense of satisfaction and improves well-being. remember, seniors need a day schedule. It makes them feel, that they are in control of their lives. What you can offer? There are many possibilities, e.g.. minor housework, time spent in the garden, and then solving crosswords, playing board or card games or arranging puzzles.
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