Sleeping well is important for everyone, but it's especially crucial for seniors. Unfortunately, many elderly people have difficulty getting a good night's rest. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including fatigue, irritability, and even health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss some natural solutions for sleeping better at night. We'll also look at some helpful tips for improving your sleep habits!
Insomnia and irregular sleep patterns can be a recurring problem for your elderly loved one and seeking help might be challenging for you. Relying on medication and supplements to induce sleep might not also be an ideal option since some medications can cause grogginess and confusion as well as bowel irritation and urinary retention. Fortunately enough, here at BrightStar Care, we love helping our readers by learning more about how they can care for their elderly loved ones.
When it comes to looking for the right solution for your elderly loved one's sleep struggles, there are a lot of natural sleep remedies that are available to help seniors achieve good quality sleep!
Relaxation Techniques
One of the best ways to promote better sleep is to practice relaxation techniques before bed. This can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or visualization exercises.
Commit to a Regular Sleep Schedule
Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for everyone, but it's especially important for seniors. Unfortunately, many elderly people have difficulty sticking to a regular sleep schedule. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including fatigue, irritability, and even health problems.
When it comes to the overall health and well-being of older adults, routines are crucial in achieving holistic lifestyle habits, and that includes bedtime routines. A great way to maintain a consistent circadian rhythm is by waking up and going to bed at the same time every day.
Create a Safe Haven for Sleeping
The overall ambiance of a bedroom can be a huge help in creating a safe haven for sleeping. Having a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom, makes it easier for seniors to fall asleep. It is also ideal that they should disengage from any screen activities at least 30 minutes before bed. This keeps them more relaxed and prevents "blue" light from getting in the way of a good night's rest.
Create a Bedtime Routine
Creating a bedtime routine for seniors in senior care can be extremely helpful in getting them the sleep they need. A good routine should include winding down for 30 minutes before bed, disconnecting from electronic screens, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation. Following a regular sleep schedule is also important in achieving better sleep quality.
Avoid Excessive Napping
Seniors should avoid excessive napping in senior care for a number of reasons. First and foremost, napping can throw off their natural sleep schedule, making it harder for them to fall asleep at night. Additionally, excessive napping can cause them to feel groggy and disoriented when they wake up. This can lead to problems with coordination and balance, which can be dangerous for seniors. Finally, napping can also cause seniors to miss out on important social interactions and activities during the day.
While naps can be tempting, especially for older adults who might be struggling with sleep at night, it's important to limit them to 30 minutes or less.
Avoid Heavy Evening Meals
Heavy evening meals can cause seniors to feel overly full and uncomfortable when trying to sleep. This can lead to restless nights and poor sleep quality. Additionally, eating a large meal right before bed can cause indigestion and heartburn, which will also make it difficult for seniors to get a good night's sleep. A light evening meal or snack is a better option for seniors who are struggling to sleep at night.
Drink the Right Drinks Before Sleeping
Seniors should avoid consuming excessive amounts of liquids in the evening, as this can lead to trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night. However, there are certain types of liquids that can actually help promote better sleep. Warm milk, herbal tea, and water are all great choices for seniors in senior care.
As you can see, there are a number of natural solutions that can help seniors get the sleep they need. If you're caring for an elderly loved one, we hope that you'll find these tips helpful in promoting better sleep.
Contact BrightStar Care of St. Lucie Today!
When you can’t be there yourself, hiring an in-home caregiver is another way to help seniors get a restful sleep. The qualified, compassionate caregivers at our independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agency go above and beyond to learn your loved one’s bedtime habits and preferences, developing a plan that can help address sleep problems. Contact us online or by phone at 772-400-9229 and by visiting us at our location 3850 20th Street Suite 7 Vero Beach, FL 32960.