When it comes to sleeping, there is a sweet spot for how many hours a person should be getting. Too many hours or too few hours can have negative health impacts on a person, and this is even true for seniors. You may think the best solution for a tired senior is a nap, and honestly, it can be a great thing for a senior! Naps can be a great way to reset, refresh, and clear out a senior’s brain. There are so many reasons to nap as a senior, but also things to look for if anything is a cause for concern. Having home care providers available to watch over their schedule of napping could be helpful.
Naps Boost Memory
If your senior is struggling to concentrate due to tiredness, they may not remember what they’ve been trying to learn. A good way to refresh and boost memory is by napping. This isn’t something just for children; this is for anyone who wants to learn and remember things. A senior may wake up and remember things much better than before their naps. It may help a senior perform tasks better with more creativity, making them happier and more independent!
Naps Can Help Reduce Stress
Taking naps can reduce stress and greatly reduce anxiety in seniors. As your elderly loved one is taking time to nap, it also allows them to process emotions while sleeping. When they have the time to process things, it can reduce the amount of stress they feel every day. If a senior keeps cutting their sleep short at night, they can wake up with more negative emotions. When they take the time to nap, they can promote happier and healthier emotions.
Naps Can Improve Alertness
Maybe your senior seems jumpy, skittish, or not noticing certain things. It may be happening because they’re not sleeping enough, and they can’t pay attention to what’s going on around them, which leads to being less alert. One way to help that is by sleeping enough at night but also taking short 20-minute naps during the day. More studies need to be done to understand exactly why naps increase alertness. But one thing is certain, while your senior sleeps, their brains are working extra hard to eliminate any waste that could harm the brain. That may be one of the reasons why napping is so effective at helping a senior become more alert.
Naps Boost Creativity
When your senior lacks the motivation to do a project or they’re not feeling creative, it may be because they need a nap! When they wake up, they may feel more energized and able to keep up with projects they’ve started. Having less energy as they age is natural, but naps can help them get through the day.
Naps can be great for seniors, but sleeping too much can be a sign of a bigger problem. Cat naps of 20 minutes are okay, but anything longer can be concerning. Home care can help watch how long a senior sleeps and even help them add a quick nap into their regular routine. It’s important for a senior to listen to their body and for home care to note how long they nap and when they do. On extra busy days, a senior may need a nap, and on slow days they may not feel it’s necessary.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Dover MA please contact the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc today. (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn MA, and surrounding areas.
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