Insomnia often strikes older adults, and many people are surprised to find out it can involve more than just being unable to fall asleep. Insomnia can also include frequent waking during the night or waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep. Seniors who experience these symptoms can also experience issues during the day, such as drowsiness and a higher risk for falls. When your senior loved one has insomnia, you can use these tips to help him or her get some sleep.
Seek a Medical Opinion
The first step is to make sure there isn’t a medical reason for your loved one’s insomnia. Have your loved one visit the doctor to check for things such as medication side effects or health conditions that could cause him or her to wake up at night. In some cases, seniors may be referred to take sleep studies that can identify these types of issues. If a medical reason for the insomnia is found, your loved one will be provided with a treatment plan to help him or her get rest.
When seniors have health conditions that make it difficult to rest well, a professional caregiver can be a tremendous asset. For many seniors in Edmonton, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Create a Regular Sleep and Wake Schedule
Your loved one’s body can also be trained to recognize when it’s time to sleep. Make sure he or she goes to bed and wakes up at the same time each day, which means still getting up at the same time even if he or she doesn’t sleep much the night before. After a few days, your loved one’s body should be more tired at bedtime. Keep in mind that on the days when your loved one is tired, you may need to limit activities to safe ones that don’t require doing things such as driving alone.
Encourage Daytime Activity
Seniors who are sedentary may not burn off enough energy during the day to be tired by the time bedtime rolls around. Make sure your loved one exercises each day, but suggest working out earlier in the day. Ideally, all exercise should be stopped about two hours before bedtime so your loved one’s body has time to cool down.
For seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions that make it difficult to exercise safely on their own, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful asset. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care services. Edmonton Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Do Relaxing Activities Before Bedtime
Your loved one may toss and turn while worrying about things that bother him or her during the day. In some cases, seniors may even develop anxiety about their insomnia. Plan relaxing rituals that help your loved one calm down before bedtime. Play soft music, give him or her a hand massage, or read a book together.
Minimize Disruptions in the Bedroom
A comfortable bedroom can induce sleep. Your loved one may need to adjust features of the room, such as moving the bed away from a window that lets in outside noises. Alternatively, he or she may need to use a white noise machine to avoid being disturbed by cars driving by outside. If your loved one’s phone might ring as he or she falls asleep, keep it in a different room.
When you understand the causes of your loved one’s sleep difficulties and use the strategies outlined above, you can help him or her sleep better and enhance his or her overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (780) 490-7337.