As reported by Manulife, the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guide recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Their website goes on to inform that one of four Canadian adults is not getting enough sleep. In addition, “when your sleep is constantly interrupted and you’re waking frequently, 8 hours of sleep may not be as effective as 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.”
Perhaps, most importantly, Manulife reveals that just over 6 percent of Canadian adults are diagnosed with sleep apnea. It is a condition that is characterized by repetitive complete interruptions of sleep for at least 10 seconds. “Older adults ages 60 to 70 are three times more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea,” they note. Needless to say, it’s vital that older adults get ample sleep.
What dangers do seniors face when they don’t get enough sleep?
Cognitive decline.
A lack of sleep can lead to memory problems, confusion and difficulty concentrating. As we age, some cognitive decline is natural. However, when seniors aren’t sleeping properly, it can make everyday tasks more challenging. Chronic sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of accidents. The issue is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the brain doesn’t get enough time to clear out toxins during deep sleep.
“In Alzheimer’s disease, beta amyloid forms in clusters, called plaques, that worsen cognitive function,” inform Eric Suni and Dr. Nilong Vyas for Sleep Foundation, “Studies have found that even one night of sleep deprivation can increase the amount of beta amyloid in the brain. One analysis found a considerably higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with sleep problems, estimating as many as 15% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease were attributable to poor sleep.”
A weakened immune system.
A lack of sleep impacts the body, not just the brain. In order to keep our immune systems strong, it’s essential that quality sleep is attained at night. During sleep, the body produces and releases cytokines. These are proteins that target infection and inflammation. Without sufficient sleep, seniors become more susceptible to illnesses like colds, flu and even more severe infections. Poor sleep can prolong sickness, hinder recovery and hamper overall health.
“Sleep provides essential support to the immune system,” affirms Suni and Dr. Kimberly Truong in a separate Sleep Foundation article, “Getting sufficient hours of high-quality sleep enables a well-balanced immune defence that features strong innate and adaptive immunity, efficient response to vaccines, and less severe allergic reactions.”
Amplified chronic pain.
It’s common knowledge that physical ailments are only exacerbated by advanced ages. A lack of sleep certainly doesn’t help for the pain to go away. This is especially true for older adults who contend with arthritis, fibromyalgia or back pain. Sleep deprivation increases the body’s sensitivity to pain, making existing conditions feel more intense and harder to manage.
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