Your elderly loved one might think they don’t need a lot of sleep. However, as your loved one ages, sleep is even more important. If your elderly loved one isn’t getting the proper amount of sleep, it can affect all aspects of their health. It can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health issues, as well. There are many tips that can help your elderly loved one to get a deeper sleep.
Meditating
If your elderly loved one hasn’t tried meditation, they should start that right away. Research shows that meditation can help someone to fall asleep easier and fall into a deeper sleep, as well. It is quite easy to meditate. Your elderly loved one doesn’t have to do anything intense. Something as simple as deep breathing while relaxing the body can be enough to help your elderly loved one fall asleep and stay asleep for longer periods of time.
Drinking Tea
Tea can also help your elderly loved one to get deeper sleep. One of the best teas to help someone fall asleep and stay asleep for longer is chamomile tea. It promotes relaxation, calmness, stress-relieve, and relaxation. In addition, it can help your elderly loved one to feel tired, so they can fall asleep quicker.
Lower the Lighting
Your elderly loved one might need some lighting in the hallway areas (in case they need to get up to use the bathroom at night). However, the less lighting they have in their bedroom at night, the better it will be for their sleep. Light can keep the body awake. Do your best to darken your elderly loved one’s bedroom. Blackout curtains are a great option for doing this. If your elderly loved one forgets to close these at night, the elderly care provider that is there with them during the nights can do it.
Regular Routines and Schedule
It is important that your elderly loved one has regular routines at night. For instance, your elderly loved one could have a snack, brush their teeth, read for a bit, turn out the lights, and go to bed. In addition, your elderly loved one should go to bed at the same time each day. Many elderly people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Depending on when your elderly loved one likes to wake up in the morning, the bedtime might vary.
Conclusion
If your elderly loved one can follow a strict schedule, keep their room dark, drink some tea before bed, and meditate, they should be able to sleep better. If your elderly loved one still can’t sleep very good, you should schedule an appointment with their doctor.
Sources
https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/media/1135/better-night-sleep.pdf
If you or an aging loved one is considering elderly care in Park City, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
