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www.seniorcareopt.com
Geriatric Care Management for
the Metro Atlanta Area
Monthly Newsletter
770-579-9177
March marks National Sleep
Awareness Week
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines SLEEP
as “a natural periodic suspension of
consciousness during which the powers of the
body are restored.” The National Sleep Foundation
calls it “as important to our health and well-being as air, food, and water.” So,
sleep is necessary for life and known to “power” our body… Sounds
important, right? However, most of us are sleep deprived!
Studies show that many adults are not getting either enough sleep (the
average recommended 7-9 hours per night) or the quality of sleep that is
required by our bodies to be restorative. The sustaining powers of sleep are
found in the fact that quality sleep (also known as REM sleep) allows your
body to become immobile and relaxed. Your breathing and heart rate slows,
hormones regulate, and it is thought that you also use this time to effectively
promote the brain’s ability to retain information through the consolidation of
memories.
On the other hand, lack of sleep in small doses causes increased difficulties
in completing tasks, concentration, unsafe actions, and poor decision
making. Multiple studies show a consistent loss of sleep is found to have
direct correlation with higher risk of accidents, increased risk of cardiac
issues and diabetes, increased risk for psychiatric conditions such as
substance abuse and depression, shortened life expectancy, and a higher
risk of obesity. Many of the chronic risks are directly related to both quantity
and quality of sleep. For example, the primary regulation of the hormones
that control appetite, energy metabolism and glucose processing happen
during sleep – thus, poor sleep upsets the balance of these hormones that
can over time lead to more chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Sleep apnea (one of about 80 sleep disorders) involves the closing of one’s
airway during sleep which restricts breathing and if left untreated can also
lead to long-term cardiac issues. This is because the heart frequently is
alarmed throughout the night that the body is NOT BREATHING – during a
time when the heart rate normally would be slowed to a restorative rate!
Attaining quality sleep at the correct amount for your body’s specific needs
should be your priority! Hope the tips below are helpful to attain this goal.
Simple tips to help you get a better night’s rest:
1) Establish a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine
2) Be aware of their effects and potentially avoid caffeine,
nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime
3) Exercise regularly (but at least 3 hours before bedtime)
4) Create an environment that promotes sleep and is
comfortable (See tips under resources!)
5) Speak to your doctor (or specialist) if concerns regarding
sleep quantity or quality are affecting your daily life.
Resources Available
Tips on creating a positive sleeping environment –
http://sleepdisorders.about.com/od/howcanisleepbetter/a/
The-Importance-Of-Your-Sleep-Environment.htm
National Sleep Foundation – Find a Sleep Professional –
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/find-sleep-professional
Support Group Information
Lacy Doremus, LMSW, C-ASWCM, facilitates a monthly caregiver support
group at 7pm at Presbyterian Village - conference room between
Hearthstone and Wellness center. The address is 2000 E West
Connector Austell, GA and meetings are held the last Tuesday of each
month at 7pm.
Lisa Meeks, CMC, CTRS, facilitates a monthly spousal caregiver support
group on the third Thursday at noon at Arbor Terrace East Cobb – private
dining room. The address is 886 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta, GA. RSVPs
are required and should be provided to Arbor Terrace at 770-977-4420 - as
complimentary lunch is served.
What is Geriatric Care Management?
Geriatric Care Management services provide clinical assessment,
monitoring, and guidance to families who are caring for an aging loved one.
We help provide objective and clinically focused analysis of one's condition,
and strive to promote a safe level of guidance and independence for those
under care. Our assistance with families promotes cost and time savings,
stress reduction, and proactive discussion with management of a senior’s
care needs. We can be the “hub” of information to hold all providers
accountable and retain proper focus on client centered care.
For more information regarding Geriatric Care Management services, our
support groups, or to inquire about requesting services for someone under
your care through SeniorCare Options, please do not hesitate to contact us
at: 770-579-9177 or brandih@seniorcareopt.com.
SeniorCare Options March 2014