Insomnia is something that many seniors struggle with. There are a lot of things that can cause seniors to have trouble falling asleep, like medication side effects. Sometimes seniors have insomnia as the result of health conditions like sleep apnea or anxiety. If your mom or dad has insomnia, prescription medication from a doctor may be able to help them fall asleep faster at night. Also, if your mom or dad is having trouble sleeping because they are anxious at night 24-hour home care services can help.
Here are some useful tips and tricks that can also improve your senior parent’s sleep:
Get 24-Hour Home Care
When seniors have 24-hour home care they tend to be less anxious at night because someone is in the home with them. Seniors often find it easier to relax knowing that if they need help in the night someone is there. 24-hour home care can give your senior parent and you peace of mind.
Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
One way to help your senior parent fight insomnia is to encourage them to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. That consistent sleep schedule will help regulate their internal clock and make them feel sleepy at night.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Another thing that can help your mom or dad relax and get sleepy is to have a bedtime routine. A calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation can help quiet the mind and get the body ready for sleep. Journaling at night can help relieve anxiety.
Give The Bedroom A Makeover
The bedroom should be a calming sanctuary for your mom or dad. Hang blackout curtains to make sure it’s dark. Make sure the temperature isn’t too cold or too warm. Try putting in a white noise machine to create some background noise or run a fan at night.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Encourage your senior parent to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted can interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. If your mom or dad likes to read on their tablet or e-reader turn on the “night” mode for them which will block blue light at night.
Cut Out Caffeine
Seniors who have trouble sleeping should avoid caffeine except for some coffee or tea in the morning. A light snack with some protein, like Greek yogurt, can help seniors sleep better but beverages should be limited to water or herbal tea.
Invest In Better Bedding
When was the last time your mom or dad got a new mattress? An uncomfortable mattress can make sleeping difficult. Give your senior parent a bedding overhaul. Get them a new mattress, comfortable natural cotton or linen sheets, and cozy blankets that they can curl up in. Natural fiber bedding will help your senior mom or dad regulate their body temperature and help them stay comfortable all night.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Elliott City MD, please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258
A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.
Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.
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