Why Seniors Wake Up Early and How to Deal With It

Some seniors find it difficult to sleep! That’s because much of the elderly population experience an early wakeup call due to age-related sleeping changes. Waking up early often in the early hours of the morning can leave the senior feeling drained and out of sorts throughout the day. It’s important to understand the reasons why seniors may wake up early and how to best deal with it.

There are several factors that can contribute to a senior waking up early, including medical issues, medications, and lifestyle habits like drinking caffeine late in the day. It’s also important to understand that as people age, their circadian rhythm or sleep/wake cycle changes, making them naturally more inclined to sleep early and wake up early.

For seniors to get a better night’s rest, it’s important to first identify the factors that may be causing the early wake-up call. Then one can take the appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening in the future. You can do so by making small changes such as adjusting your sleep environment, changing your daily routine, and adapting your medications.

What Causes Seniors to Wake Up Early?

As mentioned above, seniors experience an early wakeup because of age-related changes to their circadian rhythm. They may also find that certain medical issues and medications can disturb their natural sleep/wake cycle and contribute to waking up early.

For example, seniors may be experiencing the reduced production of melatonin, a hormone released in the evening and is key in regulating the circadian rhythm. This can lead to seniors falling asleep earlier and waking up earlier. Certain medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids can also disrupt the normal sleep/wake cycle, leading to early wakeups.

How to Deal With Early Waking

The first step in dealing with early waking is to identify and address the factors that could be contributing to it. A health care professional may be able to provide insight into what is causing the difficulty in getting a good night’s rest.

Additionally, it is also important to create an environment conducive to sleep. Avoiding caffeine late in the day, drinking enough water to stay hydrated, and avoiding activities like checking emails late into the evening can help reduce the chances of waking up too early.

Appropriate lighting, sound, and temperature can also help to create a more comfortable sleeping environment. Reading should be done earlier in the evening and away from bright lights if possible. Avoiding screens late in the evening can also help you get a better night’s rest.

Tips for Better Sleep

• Create a sleep routine and stick to it
• Avoid heavy meals in the evening
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes close to bedtime
• Exercise regularly and avoid exercise close to bedtime
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to relax before bedtime
• Keep a dark and cool bedroom environment

Conclusion

Early morning waking can be a difficult experience for seniors due to changes in their circadian rhythm. It’s important to understand the underlying causes of these wakeups in order to reduce the likelihood of it happening. Making small changes to your sleep environment, daily routine, and medications can help create a conducive environment for getting a restful night’s sleep.