One of the main things that seniors should focus on as they get older is proper nutrition. Unfortunately, for many seniors, this can become difficult to work on alone. That is why elder care can be so important to have when a senior chooses to age in place. Many seniors do not want to age in a senior home; they want the freedom and luxury of being independent in their homes. However, this is not always the safest option and sometimes not the healthiest.
That’s where elder care comes in handy. They can help seniors stick to precise routines, help them socialize, and look after them when the families cannot be around often. Elder care can also help a senior focus on nutrition. Poor nutrition can be connected to sleeping problems. Some foods may keep seniors up, some may make them gain weight, which leads to sleeping problems, and others may stop eating, leading to sleeping problems.
Nutrition can impact moods, sleeping problems, mental health, and physical health. It is a crucial aspect in life to focus on. When an older adult lives independently, it can be hard to cook healthy and move around the kitchen regularly. Some seniors may even lose their appetite or sense of taste, which makes them lose interest in eating. Elder care providers can cook meals, prepare meals, and ensure that the senior has something healthy to eat every day. They can also encourage seniors to stay away from certain foods that can impact their sleep negatively.
How Sleep is Impacted by Nutrition
Most people may realize that sleeping and proper nutrition are key roles in a healthy lifestyle especially for seniors. Yet, these two things are often overlooked. Eating is something everyone has to do every day but seniors may not pay attention to what they are consuming. Here are some ways that nutrition can impact sleep.
Too Much Caffeine
Some seniors love fresh hot coffee that is warm to drink and keeps the chilly air at bay. Well, coffee has tons of caffeine in it which naturally keeps people awake and more alert. If someone is having a hard time falling asleep it is crucial to keep them away from caffeine. Try to limit it as much as possible.
High Carb Meals
Believe it or not, high carb meals can make a senior feel incredibly drowsy during the day and feel sluggish. High carb meals may also impact how much deep sleep a senior gets making them feel unrested in the morning. Deep sleep is essential for a healthy person.
Too Much Sugar
Some people find that a sugar crash may make someone fall asleep faster. Unfortunately, sugar also impacts the quality of sleep that someone will get. It is important to never eat too much sugar because this can also impact how obese a senior is which can lead to more sleep problems and more health problems.
Sources:
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN SANTA CLARA, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY (408) 317-4969.
