Some seniors feel like they need less sleep than they did younger. However, that is not true. Most humans need 6-8 hours of sleep, regardless of age. Healthy sleeping habits are crucial to age gracefully. If a senior lives independently but needs help maintaining a routine, they may need to seek senior home care to help them during the week. Having less stress may be a great way to ensure a senior gets the right amount of rest they need. Here are the best tips you can give to your elderly loved one.
Focus on a Healthy Sleep Routine
Every senior should go to bed at the same time every night. Senior home care can help them by ensuring they eat dinner at the same time, take a bath, and get into bed at the same time every night. This helps a senior’s body learn when bedtime is and can help them sleep at night consistently. It will work especially well if they also stick to an overall regular routine with the help of senior home care.
Figure Out Why They’re Snoring
If a senior is complaining that their snoring is waking them up at night, it’s a real problem. They need to see a doctor to figure out why they’re snoring. Whether they’re snoring so bad they stop breathing, or it’s just too loud, sleep apnea can be severe and deadly for a senior. Depending on the issue, a doctor may insist they start sleeping with a C-Pap machine which can help them sleep through the night.
Focus on Unwinding At Night
Don’t do anything stimulating like eating (particularly spicy meals), watching TV, or having heated arguments with loved ones too late at night. If you’re having trouble drifting off to sleep, try listening to some soft music or reading quietly instead. You might also practice progressive muscle relaxation, in which you gradually tense and then relax each muscle group. People who suffer from sleeplessness may get relief from it.
Use As Many Pillows As Needed
One common position for a pillow is between the knees of a side sleeper. The tension on your spine may be minimized by placing a little cushion behind your knees if you sleep on your back. Just as crucial, consider how long it’s been since you replaced your mattress. You could need a new one that offers additional back support.
Avoid Napping When Possible
When a senior is not sleeping well at night, they may want to take mid-day naps. However, this can ruin their bedtime routine. If seniors can’t sleep well at night, they should truly avoid naps during the day.
Figure Out If It’s Stress
Stress and anxiety can have a role in disrupting sleep. Some patients, like one I know, use writing to release their stress and anxiety. One tactic may be to distract yourself with something humorous or exciting. Anxiety arises when your mind is racing, so try redirecting your attention to pleasant thoughts like happy times spent with loved ones. That ought to lead to dreamier nights.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Home Care in Eagan, MN please contact the caring staff at Great Oak Senior Care, Inc. today. (952) 767-4925
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