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In the silence of the night, while most people are immersed in sleep, some elderly people toss and turn, and have difficulty sleeping. Insomnia, a seemingly ordinary problem, may hide a complex emotional code for the elderly. So, what is the unknown relationship between insomnia and their emotions in the elderly?
The emotional waves behind insomnia
Let's first imagine what an old man thinks and feels in the dead of night. Perhaps, they are reminiscing about the past, perhaps, they are worried about the future of their children, or perhaps, they are simply feeling lonely and lonely. These complex emotions, like an undercurrent, quietly affect their sleep.
In fact, insomnia is inextricably linked to emotions. Older people are often more likely to experience various mood swings, such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc., due to physiological changes and changes in social roles. Not only do these negative emotions make it difficult for them to fall asleep at night, but they can also create a vicious cycle: insomnia exacerbates emotional problems, which in turn exacerbate insomnia.
Anxiety and insomnia
Anxiety is a common emotional state in older adults. Faced with the decline of physical health, the decline of living ability, and the death of relatives and friends, it is easy for the elderly to feel anxious and uneasy. This anxiety activates their autonomic nervous system, causing a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, which in turn affects sleep.
Interestingly, not only can anxiety lead to insomnia, insomnia itself can also be a source of anxiety. When older adults find themselves unable to fall asleep as easily as they did when they were younger, they may have doubts about their ability to sleep, which can lead to anxiety about insomnia. This anxiety about insomnia is often more difficult to solve than the actual sleep problem.
The dark night of depression is long
Unlike anxiety, depressive mood manifests in older adults as persistent depressed mood and loss of interest in life. Depression not only causes older adults to feel less energetic during the day, but it can also affect their nighttime sleep. Older people in a depressed state may wake up early, sleep lightly, or dream a lot.
It is important to note that the relationship between depression and insomnia is not one-way. On the one hand, depressed mood can lead to insomnia; On the other hand, long-term insomnia can also trigger or worsen depression. Therefore, when insomnia is a problem in the elderly, we need to pay close attention to their emotional state, especially whether there is depression.
Loneliness and tossing and turning
Loneliness is another common emotional problem for older adults. As they get older, their social circles shrink, friends and relatives pass away, and their children are unable to stay with them for work or life reasons. This loneliness is especially strong at night, making it difficult for older people to toss and turn in bed and fall asleep.
The effects of loneliness on sleep are manifold. First of all, loneliness can lead to increased psychological stress in the elderly, which in turn can lead to insomnia. Secondly, loneliness can also affect the biological clock of older adults, causing their sleep rhythms to become disrupted. Finally, loneliness may also reduce the expectation and interest of older adults in daytime activities, thereby reducing their daytime activity, which in turn affects the quality of nighttime sleep.
Mood management and improvement of insomnia
Since there is a close connection between emotions and insomnia, how can we improve insomnia in the elderly through emotion management?
First, we need to help older adults recognize and accept their emotions. Let them understand that anxiety, depression and loneliness are all human nature, and there is no need to blame or worry too much. Accepting your emotions is the first step in managing your emotions.
Secondly, we can guide the elderly to relieve tension through some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, etc. These tips can help them relax and improve their sleep quality.
In addition, we can also encourage older people to actively participate in social activities, expand their social circles, and reduce loneliness. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the living environment of the elderly and create a comfortable and safe living space for them.
Finally, if the problem of insomnia in the elderly is severe and lasts for a long time, we recommend seeking help from a medical professional in a timely manner. Doctors can develop personalized programs according to the specific conditions of the elderly, including drugs and psychology.