Home Helpers

A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that insomnia may indicate an elder may require future hospitalization or health services.

Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, which asked middle-aged and older participants about issues such as waking during the night, not feeling rested after sleeping, and frequency of trouble falling asleep, as well as their use of health services (e.g. home care) or nursing home stays.

"We found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the report of insomnia symptoms and the future use of costly health services," said Christopher Kaufmann, a doctoral student with the Bloomberg School's Department of Mental Health. The study recommended treating and monitoring insomnia in middle-aged and older adults as a way to potentially improve overall health.

Insomnia has many potential causes, according to the National Institutes of Health, ranging from depression to Alzheimer's disease. The NIH describes insomnia as more common in women than men and more likely to occur in older adults than in younger individuals.

Tips for helping an elder with insomnia
The Mayo Clinic suggests several lifestyle changes that may help the elder get a sound night of sleep:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule
• Relax before bedtime through a warm bath, massage or calming ritual
• Avoid or limit naps
• Make the room conducive to sleep, such as making it dark and a cool temperature
• Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
• Try not to consume large meals and beverages prior to bedtime

Home Helpers ishes you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season.