Promotes Brain Function 

The brain needs rest to function properly and develop new neural pathways, which are necessary for memory and learning. Having healthy brains helps seniors learn new hobbies and solve complex problems. 

A well-rested brain also allows seniors to express creativity, make decisions, and simply pay attention to their surroundings. The inability to stay alert prevents seniors from responding promptly to various situations, which could lead to injury. 

Insufficient sleep can affect mood and make seniors irritable, angry, or prone to depression. They might also engage in impulsive behaviors that compromise their safety. 

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare services. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Boosts Physical Wellbeing 

Like their younger counterparts, older adults also need sleep to maintain physical health. Sleep gives the body time to repair blood vessels, the heart, muscles, and other tissues. Habitual sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. 

Inadequate sleep also contributes to obesity. During sleep, the endocrine system regulates the flow of hormones throughout the body. The hormone ghrelin regulates hunger, and leptin maintains energy balance. When the body doesn’t get sufficient sleep, ghrelin levels increase and leptin levels drop, which increases the likelihood of weight gain. 

Sleep also controls how the body responds to insulin. Inadequate sleep causes a rise in blood sugar levels and over time may lead to diabetes. Apart from enabling physical growth in the younger years, growth hormones aid in the body’s ability to perform repairs. The immune system also functions more efficiently when seniors get plenty of sleep.

Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health issues in aging adults. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care San Diego families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

Enhances Daytime Function & Safety 

An adequate amount of sleep is necessary to prevent older adults from feeling fatigued during daylight hours. It also ensures seniors react appropriately to possible hazards and provides them with enough energy to carry on normal activities. 

Poor sleep hygiene often causes a condition known as microsleep, which occurs while people are awake. Older adults are typically not aware of these episodes when they happen. An example of microsleep includes driving down a stretch of road and not remembering the journey. When a microsleep event occurs, an older adult may miss important information relayed by a physician. Experiencing microsleep while driving may prohibit a senior from reacting appropriately, which increases the risk of accidents. The condition can also affect the job performance of a senior who is employed. Seniors can get adequate rest at night by making healthy lifestyle choices, and professional caregivers can be wonderful sources of information and support. In San Diego, at-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call today.