5 Ways Poor Sleep Hurts Seniors

If your senior parent is struggling to get healthy restful sleep they may need to see a doctor to find out what is making it hard for them to sleep. Not sleeping enough can have serious health consequences for seniors.

Seniors need to get at least eight hours of restful sleep at night. That’s the minimum amount of sleep necessary for seniors to stay physically healthy. And seniors who have illnesses like Alzheimer’s need even more sleep because sleep is essential for good brain health.

If your mom or dad isn’t getting restful sleep, or they aren’t getting at least eight hours of sleep at night every night they could develop health problems. Some of the surprising ways that not getting enough sleep can hurt your mom or dad’s health include:

1. Weakens the Immune System

Sleep is essential for keeping the immune system strong. When seniors don’t get enough sleep, their bodies produce fewer infection-fighting antibodies. This makes it harder to fight off illnesses like colds, the flu, and even infections. Over time, a weakened immune system can make seniors more vulnerable to chronic diseases and slower recovery from sickness.

If your mom or dad isn’t getting enough sleep it could raise their risk of catching colds, the flu, Covid-19, RSV, or other illnesses because their immune system won’t be strong enough to fight those illnesses off.

2. Increases Risk of Heart Disease

Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of heart problems. Not getting enough rest can lead to high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the heart. Over time, this increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Sleep deprivation can also lead to inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to heart-related issues. A good night’s sleep is crucial for keeping the heart healthy. If your mom or dad has a family history of heart disease good sleep is essential for them.

3. Contributes to Weight Gain and Diabetes

When seniors don’t sleep well, it can affect their metabolism and lead to weight gain. Poor sleep disrupts the balance of hormones that control hunger, causing increased cravings for unhealthy foods.

This can lead to overeating and difficulty managing weight. Being overweight increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition that’s common in older adults. Diabetes also raises the risk of heart disease and other complications. If your mom or dad is already overweight or has trouble keeping their weight at a healthy level not sleeping well should be a concern.

4. Increases Cognitive Decline

Sleep is essential for brain health. Poor sleep affects memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function.

Over time, chronic sleep deprivation in seniors can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Sleep helps the brain clear out toxins and consolidate memories, so without enough sleep, mental sharpness and decision-making abilities suffer. Because the risk of developing dementia increases as seniors get older getting good sleep should be a priority.

5. Raises Stress and Anxiety Levels

Lack of sleep can increase stress and anxiety. When seniors don’t sleep well, they are more likely to feel irritable, moody, or depressed.

Sleep deprivation affects the body’s ability to manage stress, leading to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic stress and anxiety put further strain on the heart and overall health. This can contribute to a cycle where stress makes it harder to sleep, and poor sleep makes stress worse.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in Little Falls, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today.
Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us today at (320) 352-3350