Dear Respiratory friends,
congrats with World Sleep Day 2013!!!
An epidemic?
According to recent research, approximately 50 percent of older
adults report difficulty sleeping. But sleep problems in older adults
are less a result of aging itself and more related to other conditions
that may accompany aging.
Respiratory disorders, changes in circadian sleep cycles, medical and
psychiatric illnesses, and increased medicine use all can contribute to
poor quality sleep in this growing population.
Poor sleep doesn’t only mean that half of all older adults are a
little more tired during the day, though. There are more serious
consequences related to overall health and well being. Sleep disturbances
have been shown to contribute to decreased quality of life, more
symptoms of depression and anxiety, slower reaction times, memory
problems, issues with balance and vision increasing risk of falls, and
even death.
The good news
If you’re an older adult, good quality sleep is within reach.
It might mean talking with your doctor about your medications, going
to bed and waking up earlier because your body’s circadian sleep cycles
have shifted, or getting treatment for other conditions that are
interfering with your sleep.
Some sleep disorders, such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea,
are more common in the elderly. But with diagnosis and specialty care,
these issues can also be treated and even prevented.
The truth is that in healthy older adults, sleep problems are rare.
If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep and have attributed it
to aging, there is hope — and better health — by seeking treatment from
your doctor or a sleep medicine specialist.
World Sleep Day Welcome by Antonio Culebras from Cordie INC on Vimeo.
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