Sleep Deprivation – Sleep Loss and Chronic Diseases
You might be a bit tired as you read this article. Why? Maybe because you are not getting the right amount of sleep every night. Sleep is important, and lack of sleep is detrimental to your health both now and as you get older.
An estimated 50-70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, hindering their health and the ability to perform everyday functions. When a person is tired, the body sends signals to warn you about your condition.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average adult needs about seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but most of us don't even get that much. But getting too little sleep — generally understood to mean six hours or less a night — can be serious and lead to significant health issues – Read more by clicking here
Don't Ignore Sleep Issues When You are Younger
Not getting your sleep could lead to health issues that can also lead to a higher risk of long-term health care. The National Institute on Aging (NIH) says that studies have suggested that sleep patterns earlier in life may contribute to later dementia risk. Insufficient sleep and sleeping longer than average have been linked to a greater likelihood of developing dementia. Dementia is one of the leading causes of long-term health care.
An analysis of 77 studies showed cognitive impairment as a critical predictor of nursing home placement. There is strong evidence that poor sleep leads to cognitive decline in older adults.
However, don't lose sleep over long-term care – as long as you have an advance plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging.
Sleep Issues Add to Caregiver Stress
Waking up often during the night also adds to caregiver burden and stress for those being taken care of at home. When this happens, it typically prompts the institutionalization of those individuals.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will safeguard your savings and ease the burdens otherwise placed on your family. Act before you retire and start losing sleep over your future retirement.
A successful retirement will include affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. Will it help you sleep at night? Perhaps, if you are not getting sleep from worry. But the worry about long-term care is real since the consequences of long-term health care on your family and finances are substantial.
Long-term health care costs are rising rapidly nationwide. The actual cost does vary depending on where you live. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future costs of care services where you live.
When is the best time to plan for declining health and aging? Generally, experts suggest before your retirement, ideally in your 40s or 50s, when premiums are low, and you have the most available options to choose from.
Be Sure to Seek Professional Help
Be careful. While Long-Term Care Insurance is affordable, premiums can vary dramatically between companies for the same coverage. Not all insurance agents or financial advisors work with more than one or two companies, nor do they usually understand underwriting, policy features, partnership programs, case management, and claims.
You need a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you shop for the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will match your age, health, and other factors to get the best coverage at the lowest premium.
Get your sleep and prepare before your health starts to decline. Your family will thank you.