Juggling work life, children, and caregiving duties is often challenging for family caregivers, and it can lead to stressful nights and insufficient sleep. However, it’s important that family caregivers get plenty of rest so they can provide high-quality care to their aging loved ones. The La Mesa home care specialists at Coast Care Partners share a few reasons family caregivers need plenty of sleep.
Prevent Obesity
Sleep deprivation is one of the strongest risk factors associated with obesity in adults. When family caregivers fail to get enough sleep, they often have bigger appetites. Lack of sleep causes fluctuations in the appetite hormone and increases the risk of poor appetite regulation. Family caregivers who don’t get at least eight hours of sleep each night could experience higher levels of ghrelin, which is the hormone responsible for stimulating appetite. To help the body function normally, caregivers need plenty of sleep.
Increase Concentration
Caring for an aging parent requires concentration, productivity, innovation, and a clear mind. When family caregivers are sleep deprived, it can prevent the brain from functioning normally. Getting enough sleep at night can enhance problem-solving skills and memory function, which makes it easier to balance caregiving activities, work responsibilities, and personal tasks. Lack of sleep can impair your cognitive health and the ability to think rationally.
Decrease the Risk of Chronic Conditions
Older adults aren’t the only individuals at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Performing caregiving tasks could decrease your physical and mental health and raise your risk of developing chronic conditions. For example, inadequate sleep can affect blood sugar levels, cause insulin sensitivity, and lead to a poor immune system. The less sleep you get, the less time your body has to recover or fight off illnesses.
Boost Mood
Depression is common among family caregivers because they have to sacrifice a lot of their personal lives. It’s easy for caregivers to isolate themselves from the world while they devote all their time to an aging parent. Although it’s important to maintain a social life, lack of sleep can lead to several mental issues. During the night, your brain rids itself of dangerous toxins that cause stress and anxiety. Getting at least seven or eight hours of sleep each night can lower your risk of developing sleeping disorders that contribute to depression. A good night’s rest leads to more energy and happiness and better wellbeing.
Opting for in-home care services is a good way to take a break from your caregiving duties to catch up on your sleep. When it comes to high-quality at-home care, La Mesa families trust Coast Care Partners. We are a premier caregiver agency with several years of experience in the senior home care industry. Whether your aging loved one needs minor help with everyday activities or extensive around-the-clock care, our professional caregivers are here to help. To learn about our quality-assured in-home care options, give us a call at 619-354-2544 today.
