As seniors age, their bodies need more time to recharge and recover, which can be accomplished with a good night’s rest. While sleeping, the body rids itself of dangerous toxins that lead to memory loss, damaged immune systems, and decreased energy levels, which is why family caregivers need to encourage their senior loved ones to sleep more at night and avoid long naps during the day. Here are some tips caregivers can use to help aging adults get the sleep they need, brought to you by the trusted La Mesa senior home care providers at Coast Care Partners.
Encourage Regular Moderate Exercise
The more active your loved one is during the day, the more tired his or her body will be at night. Encourage your loved one to maintain moderate exercise routines, including stretching, walking, and working out the arms. He or she can also participate in physical activities like swimming, dancing, and hiking. Regular exercise and movement provides the endorphins seniors need to boost their mood, but the physical activity will also tire them out and help them sleep better at night. Make sure your loved one avoids working out close to bedtime to prevent restlessness.
Remove Electronic Distractions
Televisions, radios, smartphones, and computers are distractions that can prevent seniors from sleeping during the night. The brightness and loud sounds of the devices can startle older adults at night, causing them to toss and turn or wake up. Remove all distractions from your loved one’s room and turn off electronic devices prior to bedtime. The light emitted from televisions is designed to keep the brain awake longer, so you should turn the television off in your loved one’s room at least two hours before he or she goes to sleep.
Control the Bedroom Temperature
Seniors who are too hot or cold during the night might wake up and have difficulty going back to sleep, which is why family caregivers need to ensure the temperature is comfortable in the home, especially the bedroom. Check the thermostat prior to bedtime. It is a good idea to begin heating or cooling the home a couple of hours before your loved one goes to sleep. He or she can then tell you if the temperature is comfortable or if you need to adjust it. If the air and heat are maintained at a comfortable temperature, seniors are more likely to get a good night’s rest.
Avoid Serving Fluids Right Before Bedtime
Aging adults sometimes have issues controlling their bladder, especially at night. Bladder issues can cause them to visit the bathroom frequently, disrupting their sleep. To prevent this issue, seniors should never drink fluids close to bedtime. It is best to stop drinking water and other fluids one or two hours before going to sleep.
If your loved one needs help maintaining better sleep hygiene, consider hiring a home caregiver. La Mesa families rely on the dedicated caregivers at Coast Care Partners to help their older loved ones navigate the challenges of aging and enjoy a higher quality of life. To learn more, call 619-354-2544 today.
