Caregivers are often concerned that their loved ones don't get enough sleep. If you have noticed a change in sleeping patterns of an older person, do not panic. As we get older, we tend to sleep less. We may get up during the night more frequently due to aches or because we need to use the washroom. Some older persons find that instead of getting 8 or 10 hours of sleep each night, they are only getting 4 or 6 hours of sleep. This is a common change and is nothing to be alarmed about. Do not turn to sleeping tablets right away. They can be addictive, and many more people (in T&T for example) end up taking sleeping pills for several decades, which is not healthy. "As we get older, we tend to sleep less." Sleeping tablets should be your last resort, after consulting with a trusted doctor. Some more creative, healthier ideas to improve sleep quality for older persons are suggested below, as adapted from Philip T. Hagen, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, USA:
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AuthorDr James Bratt, Lead Consultant at Age Caribbean and Geriatric Psychicatrist. Archives
November 2017
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