Research has identified that individuals with sleep issues are at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases. Unfortunately, many with sleep disturbances are undiagnosed. It’s estimated that between 40 and 70% of all older adults have some sort of chronic sleep issue. About half of these individuals aren’t diagnosed with any sleep condition.
When these conditions are identified, they can better be managed.
The Importance of Sleep
Poor sleep can increase the risk of a wide array of conditions including-
- Dementia – increased risk for older adults who sleep less than 6 hours a night
- Chronic inflammation – which in turn can lead to functional and cognitive impairment
- Diabetes – poor sleep impairs metabolism which increases risk of diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)
Causes of Poor Sleep
Poor sleep can be caused by-
- Restless leg syndrome
- Nighttime urination
- REM sleep disorder
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Side effects from medications
- Pain
- Snoring
How to Improve Sleep
Sleep can be improved through a variety of methods. These may include both pharmacological options as well as nonpharmacological strategies. In regard to nonpharmacological therapies, sleep can be improved through-
- Relaxation strategies
- Muscle tensing/relaxing
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Meditation
- Guided imagery
- Improved sleep hygiene
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
For sleep issues that are caused by respiratory impairment, strategies may include-
- CPAP Therapy which provides continuous positive airway pressure to people while they are asleep.
- Weight loss
- Cardiovascular exercise
- Stopping smoking
- Improving the sleep environment
- Managing comorbidities
- Reduced caffeine
- Reduced alcohol
- Reduced sedatives
- Oral appliances
- Sleep aid devices such as airway stents
- Surgery
These strategies can improve not only patients’ sleep but their quality of life. Improved airflow during sleep can lead to improved sinusitis symptoms, allergies, rhinitis, and even autoimmune conditions.
Due to the overflowing impact of sleep on almost every aspect of patients’ life, it should be an important consideration for all doctors and medical professionals. Comprehensive patient care needs to include conversations regarding sleep.
You can read more about the importance of sleep here.
