Why Does My Older Loved One Sleep All Day?

As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger. Waking up during the night due to achy joints or the need to use the restroom becomes commonplace. Many seniors compensate for this lost sleep by catching a restorative nap during the day. That’s normal. Daytime sleeping only becomes problematic when an elder spends most of their time dozing in bed or their favorite chair instead of engaging in life. If you want your aging loved one to stay awake more during the day and sleep better at night, you will need to discover the underlying reason(s) why they are napping excessively. In some cases, you may need a doctor’s help to narrow down the cause of daytime sleepiness and recommend solutions. Knowing what to look for can give you a jumpstart on improving a senior’s sleep schedule.  Boredom and Lack of Engagement: As people age, they may suffer from chronic health conditions and age-related changes that affect their ability to do the things they enjoy. When options for outings, activities, and entertainment are limited, it can deal a serious blow to an elder’s quality of life.... Continue reading on Agingcare for more ideas about why some older adults (even without dementia) sleep so much during the day: Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.“I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose...I don't want it to end.” ...Craig William Dayton, Film Composer Discover the D...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs