Many adult children of seniors receiving in home care act as a caregiver to their parent during the night. If you are filling in as a home caregiver and have noticed that your loved one is suffering from insomnia, then it may be time for you to step in and help your parent get the assistance that they need.
Insomnia is a very common issue among many seniors today, and while some people may not think that lack of sleep is really important, it can actually be detrimental to a senior’s health. The good news is, as a home caregiver who spends a great deal of time with your senior loved one, you can often spot the signs of insomnia early on and help your loved one get the care they need right away.
Typically, insomnia is defined as either a difficulty falling asleep or a difficulty staying asleep. This issue impacts about half of seniors today. The most troubling thing about insomnia is that it can last for days or it can even lass for years. If left untreated, it can result in depression, a compromised immune system, memory loss, and a number of other serious long-term health issues.
As a home caregiver it is important to look for the following signs and symptoms of insomnia including:
- Night galls
- Signs of depression
- Taking more than 45 minutes to fall asleep
- Waking up early and not being able to go to sleep
- Complaining of lack of sleep/not being able to stay asleep
- Fatigue
- Incontinence
- Accidents and falls from sleep deprivation
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Impaired memory
- Change in eating habits
If you are providing home care services for your loved one and notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to get your senior loved one to the doctor for diagnosis. They can help your loved one get the treatment they need to start sleeping safely and comfortably all night long.
