Addressing Insomnia - Tools That Can Help with a Better Night's Sleep
Poor sleep quality in older people can cause health and lifestyle problems and increase the risk of falls, affecting many older people. Addressing sleep issues early can improve overall health.
Are you getting a good night's sleep every night? Good chance if you are over age 40, the quality of your sleep has deteriorated over the years. Several health problems come with getting older, including sleep difficulties. The Sleep Foundation says that poor sleep can contribute to many health issues and reduce your quality of life, especially for anyone over age 65.
Sleep is vital to good health and quality of life, especially considering we spend one-third of our lives sleeping! There is a lot of science about sleeping, but lack of sleep can disrupt our circadian rhythms, which influence when we feel tired and alert. As we get older, the body secretes less melatonin, which helps promote sleep by coordinating our circadian rhythms.
All of this means is a lack of good sleep leads to aging and health issues resulting in a poorer quality of life worsening in our 'golden years.'
There are ways to improve our sleep, and the right tools can help us get a better night's sleep. However, be sure to see your doctor and get checked for health issues that may adversely impact your sleep. A sleep study might be ordered to rule out sleep apnea which can be treated by a great tool - a CPAP machine.
CPAP Machine
A CPAP machine (also known as a sleep apnea machine) provides a gentle and constant flow of prescribed pressurized air through a mask and hose to help keep your airway open as you sleep.
Remember, a doctor will need to diagnose you with sleep apnea and prescribe the right amount of pressure to help you.
There are health problems, in addition to sleep apnea, that can cause sleeping problems. For example, the side effects of medications could be affecting your sleep. Many people age 65 and over take five or more medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can contribute to sleep issues you or a loved one may be experiencing.
You could try other sleep tools assuming there is not an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed by your doctor.
White Noise Machine
White noise machines are a godsend for people who live in noisy areas. These devices can emit various soothing tones that block out loud noises coming from outside the bedroom. Some white noise machines include the sounds of chirping birds, raindrops, and other calming noises.
Weighted Blanket
Older individuals might develop problems with their blood vessels, making them too cold. If they find themselves shivering in bed at night, a weighted blanket could be just the thing they need. In addition to creating extra warmth, weighted blankets reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality by providing comfort and a sense of protection.
Black-Out Curtains
Older people often get up in the middle of the night or early in the morning due to sleep disturbances. If the sunrise prompts you to wake up earlier than desired, using black-out curtains is a fantastic solution to this problem. Black-out curtains also help block bright streetlights or a neighbor's eye-catching television.
Massage Chair
If muscle pain and soreness are to blame for sleeping difficulties, a massage chair should be the next item on your shopping list. Massage chairs can help you fight insomnia at home by soothing your tense muscles and lowering your stress levels, allowing your hormones to rebalance and promote sleepiness.
Blue Light Glasses
Too much screen time can also make it harder for you to sleep at night due to the blue light emitted by your screens. Blue light inhibits the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel tired. Blue light glasses can help you feel sleepier at bedtime because they block out the light that prevents your body from releasing melatonin.
Don't forget to see your doctor and discuss your sleeping problems before doing anything. However, don't avoid the problem of lack of sleep. It is best to start addressing sleep problems in your 40s or 50s before they become worse as you get older.
About the Author
Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.
Mallory Knee
Contributor since September 25th, 2020
Editor's Note
Are you prepared for your aging? The consequences have a tremendous impact on family and finances. Access to your choice of quality care options, be it at home or in a long-term care facility, will ease the stress on both you and your family.
Quality long-term health care is expensive and gets more costly each year. Long-Term Care Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free funds so you can access quality care in the setting you desire. Your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of caregivers.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Get Expert Help in Planning
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Seek the help of a specialist who represents the top companies. Top specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance, some in the thousands. This experience is necessary as every company has its own underwriting criteria. Plus, premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS - Share Your Knowledge
LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world.
You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other English-speaking nations.
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive to LTC NEWS and not just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.
Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
LTC NEWS - Your Marketing and Advertising Partner
Use LTC NEWS to drive traffic to your website and help you attract people interested in your products and services. Plus, you can improve your website's SEO so more consumers can find you when they search for your products and services.
There are various marketing options available with LTC NEWS. Traditional advertising, sponsored content articles, strategic alliances, and more are available.
Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
Shared Links
LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.
Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.
You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.
Sharing News with LTC NEWS
Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com
