How to Get Better Sleep as a Senior

Sleep is crucial for seniors because it helps the body to repair and regenerate, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps to maintain cognitive functions. Sleep also helps to regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions. However, as someone ages, their sleeping patterns may change, or they may think they need less sleep, but this is not true! Every senior should get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, but it can be hard to do when they don’t feel comfortable or rested. So, how can you help your seniors get better sleep each night? Here are a few tips to try and how senior home care can help:

Reduce Caffeine Before Bed

You may be surprised that caffeine can be hidden in many different drinks. For example, caffeine can be in tea, coffee, and even soda. So, you must manage and be careful of what you consume before bed. If your elderly loved one is unsure whether a drink has caffeine, they can ask senior home care to read the ingredients for them. Senior home care may also be able to make calming tea before bed or help them stay away from liquids altogether before bed, helping a senior use the bathroom less during the night. Both of these things can lead to a better night’s sleep.

Use Pillows

If your senior has body aches, it can be so uncomfortable for your senior to get into bed. Instead of letting the pain consume them, use pillows to help your loved one get comfortable. Pillows can be placed under the knees, head, and around the sides of their backs for comfort. Heavy quilts can also help your seniors if they have achy joints or body pains.

Move Around Early Morning

Working out in the evening can be bad for resting at night. Any heavy exercise should be done early on in the day because it may keep your elderly loved one awake later. A senior’s body needs time to rest and recover from their workout before sleeping comfortably. Working out in the morning can help them regulate their sleeping patterns each night. Staying on a consistent workout and sleep routine can benefit a senior’s overall health.

Pay Attention to Medication

If your senior takes medication and can’t sleep once it’s taken, they must talk to their doctors. They may have to switch to taking the medication in the morning or finding a new one that works but doesn’t keep them up at night. A senior needs to take their medication, but it is also important to find a medication that works properly. Your loved one must be open and honest with their doctors when they are on any drugs.

Turn The TV Off

Many people like to sit down and enjoy a TV show after a long day, but this isn’t the best for bed time, and they should never be sleeping with the TV on all night. To allow your body to relax, it is best to turn off all electronics. This will help not only your body relax but also your mind.