Elderly people often have a decline in physical function and need to go to bed early to replenish their energy. However, insomnia often accompanies them. How can we help the elderly get rid of insomnia and have a good sleep?
There are several common causes of insomnia in the elderly:
1. Physiological factors
It is well known that as we age, we sleep less. This is because the number of nerve cells decreases with age, and sleep is an activity of the brain;
As the number of nerve cells decreases in the elderly, it naturally causes sleep disorders in the elderly, and insomnia is the most common symptom and one of the most common causes of insomnia in the elderly.
2. Organic brain diseases
As the elderly age, the degree of cerebral arteriosclerosis gradually increases, accompanied by diseases such as hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, dementia, and tremor paralysis;
The occurrence of these diseases can reduce cerebral blood flow, cause cerebral metabolic disorders, and result in insomnia symptoms.
3. Systemic diseases
As they enter old age, systemic diseases may occur.
4. Mental illnesses
According to statistics, a significant proportion of insomnia in the elderly is related to mental health.
Among the elderly, the proportion of depression and depressive tendencies is significantly higher than that of young people.
Depression is often accompanied by symptoms such as insomnia, constipation, and palpitations. Sleep disorders are mainly manifested as early awakening and reduced deep sleep.
5. Medication factors
Taking medications that cause nervous excitement before bedtime, such as isoniazid for tuberculosis and aminophylline for asthma, can cause excitement and make it difficult to fall asleep.
6. Nocturia
Increased nocturia is a common phenomenon in the elderly. Apart from diuretics, dysfunction of the detrusor muscle and enlarged prostate, as well as increased residual urine in the bladder, can also lead to increased nocturia and disrupt sleep.
Ways to improve insomnia in the elderly:
1. Pig heart soup
Clean the pig heart, split it open, put it in a pot with Codonopsis pilosula and Angelica sinensis, cook it, and remove the herbs before eating the meat and drinking the soup.
This soup is effective for patients with insomnia and excessive sweating.
2. Pork soup
Clean lean meat, cut it into pieces, and boil it with banana root. This soup can be used for insomnia caused by hypertension.
3. Lotus seed and longan porridge
Boil lotus seeds, longan, lily, and rice together to make porridge, which can help induce sleep.
4. Drink vinegar water
Drink a cup of vinegar water made by steeping vinegar in cold water before bed to help fall asleep quickly.
5. Honey and lotus root powder
Stew lotus root powder in water on low heat, add honey when the temperature is suitable, and consume it to relieve insomnia.
Warm reminder: Due to physical reasons, the elderly generally have less sleep. In general, staying up late and waking up early is not considered insomnia. When unable to sleep throughout the night, you can try some methods of recuperation;
At the same time, it is also important to maintain a regular schedule. The sleeping environment must be comfortable, quiet, and the temperature should be suitable. It is advisable to drink less strong tea and coffee. It is good to exercise in the morning and use various lifestyle adjustments to relieve insomnia.
