Irregular or excessive sleep is a fairly common, but becomes a concerning issue as we age. It’s important to note that occasional or relatively brief day-napping is somewhat normal, as the elderly wake often in the night. But what can we do when our elderly parent begins sleeping in excess of twelve, fifteen, or occasionally even twenty hours in a single day?
Quality of life is close to home and deeply important to us and we want to see you and your loved one live rich, comfortable lives. To hopefully give some insight into why your parent may be sleeping in excess, we’ve created a simple and straightforward list of common causes and how they may be addressed.
It is very important to note that irregular habits and concerning physical behaviors should be discussed with a healthcare provider. These are insights and informative points, not a cure.
Common Causes for Excessive Sleep and Poor Sleep Habits
There are quite a few possible sources for oversleeping in the elderly, though they are often interlinked.
Depression
Adult and late adult depression is frightfully common and often goes unnoticed by many. Depression is not always linked to a feeling of sadness, but is more commonly noted to cause listlessness, tiredness, and a feeling of constant boredom. All of these feelings lead to excessive sleep and a loss of regular activity, which tends to further exacerbate the issue.
Depression should never be ignored, but brought up with a healthcare professional so that proper medication can be administered. It may take time to find the right medication as cause and chemistry play a role here, but it is vital to get the process underway. In supplement to medication, introduce methods of reducing boredom to increase activity levels.
Boredom
Boredom feeds directly into depression, but they are not mutually-exclusive. As we age, either through loss of mobility, eyesight, or hearing, our list of interests and hobbies decreases. Without regular, engaging activity all people naturally lapse into a state of boredom and sleepiness soon follows.
Attempt to incorporate new, interesting activities to regain a spark for enjoying time. This can be through art, learning new skill sets, exploring music, trying games (board or personal computer), or any other activity within your parent’s capability. The key is something new, and within the realm of their interest. It may help to enlist the assistance of an in-home care provider to aid your loved one with tasks that may be difficult alone.
Medication
It is entirely possible that the sleepiness is simply a side-effect of medications. This may be a common side effect or it may have something to do with your loved one’s reaction to certain medications. Broach the topic with your healthcare provider if your parent is oversleeping in excess and there may be a chance that something can be altered to better the issue.
Expert Care and Assistance in Maryland
If your loved one in Montgomery County can benefit from the services and care we provide, please contact our care experts today. Advanced Nursing and Home Support would love nothing more than to provide the assistance needed to ensure your loved one is comfortable and matched with a provider that meets their unique needs perfectly.
Contact us today, either by visiting us online, or by phone at 240-283-4984 to schedule your in-home assessment!
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