A common complaint from people who have COPD is that sleep is difficult to come by. Since sleep is something that helps your senior in so many ways, it's important to figure out why COPD makes sleep more difficult.
Medications Help the COPD, but Hurt the Sleep
Many of the medications that people with COPD take are corticosteroids. They may be oral or inhaled, but they're usually in that family of medications. The trouble with these medications is that for some people, they can contribute to insomnia. Some corticosteroids might work better for your elderly family member than others, so if you suspect medication is part of the issue you should talk with her doctor.
Sleep Positions Matter
Some people with COPD try to sleep sitting up, either in a recliner or other comfortable chair. Unfortunately, that's not a normal sleeping position and it can create problems with a stiff neck and back, among other issues. But lying in bed can bring its own problems, too. If your senior is lying too flat, she might be inadvertently hindering the movement of her lungs. The better option is to encourage your senior to sleep on a wedge that raises her up at a slight angle.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Hinder Sleep
Anxiety, stress, and depression are definitely awful even in smaller amounts, but your senior who has COPD is likely to experience higher levels of all of them. Your elderly family member may be at a point where she can't do what she used to do and that can be upsetting for her. Normal daily tasks can be too much, which can leave her feeling frustrated. Add to that the fear that can come with not knowing whether she'll be able to keep breathing and the emotional impact is intense. One big solution can be hiring home care providers. Not only can they help your senior with regular daily tasks, but this allows someone to be there in case she has trouble breathing and needs help.
Other Health Issues Contribute
On top of COPD, other health issues can make sleeping difficult. Sleep apnea, in particular, interrupts your senior's sleep enough that she may think she's sleeping, but actually isn't. Other health conditions might require the use of medications that give your elderly family member more trouble sleeping, too.
If your elderly family member is still having trouble sleeping, make sure that you talk with her doctor about the situation. There may be something more that you can try in order to help your senior to get the sleep that she very much needs.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOMECARE IN WESTCHESTER, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Medications Help the COPD, but Hurt the Sleep
Many of the medications that people with COPD take are corticosteroids. They may be oral or inhaled, but they're usually in that family of medications. The trouble with these medications is that for some people, they can contribute to insomnia. Some corticosteroids might work better for your elderly family member than others, so if you suspect medication is part of the issue you should talk with her doctor.
Sleep Positions Matter
Some people with COPD try to sleep sitting up, either in a recliner or other comfortable chair. Unfortunately, that's not a normal sleeping position and it can create problems with a stiff neck and back, among other issues. But lying in bed can bring its own problems, too. If your senior is lying too flat, she might be inadvertently hindering the movement of her lungs. The better option is to encourage your senior to sleep on a wedge that raises her up at a slight angle.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Hinder Sleep
Anxiety, stress, and depression are definitely awful even in smaller amounts, but your senior who has COPD is likely to experience higher levels of all of them. Your elderly family member may be at a point where she can't do what she used to do and that can be upsetting for her. Normal daily tasks can be too much, which can leave her feeling frustrated. Add to that the fear that can come with not knowing whether she'll be able to keep breathing and the emotional impact is intense. One big solution can be hiring home care providers. Not only can they help your senior with regular daily tasks, but this allows someone to be there in case she has trouble breathing and needs help.
Other Health Issues Contribute
On top of COPD, other health issues can make sleeping difficult. Sleep apnea, in particular, interrupts your senior's sleep enough that she may think she's sleeping, but actually isn't. Other health conditions might require the use of medications that give your elderly family member more trouble sleeping, too.
If your elderly family member is still having trouble sleeping, make sure that you talk with her doctor about the situation. There may be something more that you can try in order to help your senior to get the sleep that she very much needs.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOMECARE IN WESTCHESTER, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.