How Seniors With Sleep Apnea Can Get Better Rest

By Jessica Ott | January 18, 2024 |

Some estimates are that between 15-30% of seniors have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can make it difficult for seniors to get the restful sleep they need. And seniors may already have a hard time getting high-quality sleep because of things like side effects from medications. Conditions like anxiety and depression can also make it tough for seniors to get deep rest. Elder care services for seniors can take away a lot of the worries that seniors have.

Elder Care Spring Grove PA – How Seniors With Sleep Apnea Can Get Better Rest

Seniors who have severe sleep apnea should talk to their doctor about it. Doctors usually prescribe a CPAP machine to help seniors breathe throughout the night to minimize the impact of sleep apnea. But there are also things that seniors can do to the deep sleep they need in addition to using a CPAP.

Some of the most recommended methods of getting deeper sleep include:

Get Elder Care

Without the stress of trying to manage the household seniors could have fewer cares. That would lead to better sleep. An elder care provider can help seniors with all sorts of household tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning, and paying bills. Seniors who live independently find that elder care makes aging in place easier.

Get Daily Exercise

Exercise is recommended for seniors for everything from better sleep to better mental health. But that’s because it works. Even just 20 minutes of regular daily exercise can improve the quality of sleep that seniors get. The exercise that seniors get doesn’t have to be physically demanding. A nice walk around the block is all it takes. Or a gentle hike at the local park. Even playing a round of golf a few times a week is a great option. Seniors will be surprised at how beneficial exercise can be for their health.

Sleep Slightly Propped Up

Sleeping flat can make sleep apnea worse because it can cause a blocked airway. Seniors who have sleep apnea should sleep propped up a little bit. There are several options for pillows that are designed to support the head and upper body. With these pillows, seniors can comfortably sleep propped up on an incline. That can help open the airway and make it easier for seniors to breathe. Seniors with sleep apnea should also sleep on their sides, not on their backs.

Use A Humidifier

Dry air can make sleep apnea and breathing problems worse. Often seniors experience dry indoor air either because of heating in the winter or air conditioning in the summer. A cool mist humidifier running in the bedroom at night can help. The cool water adds comfortable humidity to the air to make it easier to breathe. Seniors should also have an air purifier in the bedroom to help keep the air free from allergens. Breathing in dust, pet dander, and other irritants makes nighttime respiratory issues worse. But with an air filter and a humidifier seniors should enjoy much more restful sleep.

Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-sleep-apnea
https://sleepcenterinfo.com/blog/sleep-apnea-relief-8-simple-ways-to-complement-your-sleep-apnea-treatment/
https://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/7/3/248

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Spring Grove PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-Home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

Author
Recent Posts

Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.