The Impact of Arthritis on Sleep in the Elderly
Sleep is essential for a person’s overall physical and mental wellbeing, and for the elderly in particular, the quality of their sleep often contributes to their quality of life. For those suffering from arthritis, both age related and not, their sleep can be specifically affected, making it a challenge for many senior citizens.
Arthritis pain, stiffness, and inflammation makes it difficult for elderly people to get comfortable at night, making their sleep shallow and broken. Sleepless nights can lead to decreased energy, motivation, and mood during the day due to fatigue which can lead to further deficiencies in their quality of life.
Though arthritis can have a significant impact on an elderly person’s sleep, there are many steps they can take to try to ensure better nights of rest and hopefully improve the quality of their life.
Managing Arthritis Pain
One of the best methods to ensure better rest for those suffering from arthritis is managing their pain, stiffness, and inflammation as best they can. By taking medication, changing their diet, and participating in physical activity, elderly people can have better control over their symptoms so they are more comfortable at night.
If their bed and pillows offer inadequate support or comfort, finding new, more suitable materials or products may allow the elderly to find a position more conducive to sleep. Additionally, if they experience muscle pain or spasms, damp heat and low-level heat therapy can be used to ease the uncomfortable feelings they experience.
Adopting Healthy Habits
Another important step is to build healthy habits and routines around going to bed and attempting to get better sleep. Habits such as exercising regularly during the day, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and consistently setting a bedtime can have significant impacts on the quality of their sleep. Additionally, activities like reading, screen time free relaxation, and calming music can be beneficial in relaxing the body and easing the transition into sleep.
If pain is keeping seniors up, considering a night time routine such as a hot bath can relax their body, reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain. Taking a short walk before bed can also provide similar effects, using movement to coax the body into a relaxed state.
Creating a comfortable environment including low light levels during the evening and avoiding noise in the bedroom, can help elderly people achieve more restful sleep and reduce their discomfort when they wake up in the morning.
Searching for Solutions
If elderly people are still struggling to get adequate sleep despite better managing their arthritis pain and adopting healthy sleep habits, the advice of a healthcare specialist should be sought. With the help of a doctor, alternative solutions can be explored, such as:
- Prescribed sleep medications or other drugs to combat pain.
- Occupational therapy to help with arthritis pain.
- A visit to a sleep specialist for further testing and evaluation.
- A review of the elderly person’s overall health and medical history.
The Bottom Line
Arthritis can significantly effect elderly people’s sleep and general quality of life. Hopefully, through better management of pain, adopting healthy sleep habits, and considering alternative solutions, they can discover better rest and improved lifestyle.