Why Seniors Need a Regular Sleep Schedule
Advice from the Senior Care Team at Home Instead
Along with the physical changes of aging, a senior’s sleep patterns change. You or your loved one may find that falling asleep is much harder, or staying asleep can seem impossible. As we age, we tend to stay in the lighter sleep stages than in REM (Rapid Eye Movement). Often the medications used to treat physical and mental ailments create additional sleep disorders in the elderly.
It is possible to work with your changing circadian rhythms and get better sleep by establishing a regular sleep schedule. If you or your loved one needs assistance with getting to bed on time, cooking nutritious meals, or completing household duties, reach out to the team at Home Instead. We serve families in and around the Kitchener-Waterloo, ON area with a variety of services to help you stay at home and age in place.
Sleep Better when You Establish a Routine
Children benefit from regular bedtime rituals. This also applies to adults, especially senior citizens. Getting a good night’s sleep aids in improving the quality of life you experience. It is a great mood lifter and helps your body fight off infection and illness. It helps in keeping you or your loved one moving and enjoying life with their family and pets.
Here are some additional benefits to encourage you or your senior to set a regular bedtime:
- Reduce Insomnia: It’s common to experience the symptoms of insomnia, including excessive sleepiness during the day and difficulty concentrating. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, taking steps to create an ideal sleeping situation can help.
- Improve Sleep Quality: You might find that you have no trouble falling asleep. You may even sleep all night, but you still feel exhausted and ready for bed as soon as you get up. Get better sleep by training your body for bedtime. This means creating the right ambience and allowing your body to wind down.
- Keep the Grey Cells Active: A downfall of too little sleep or poor sleep is the drain on your brain. You can experience confusion, memory distortion, depression, or decreased mental capacity.
- Reduce Stress: If your loved one suffers from long-term insomnia, they may start reacting to stress disproportionately. It can even lead to mental illness and exacerbate dementia.
3 Quick Tips to Get You Started Toward Better Rest
It does not take much to start training your body to embrace bedtime. Here are three quick tips:
- Go to bed and get up at the same times each day, including weekends.
- Turn off all screens at least one hour before bed.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark and set at a comfortable temperature.
Senior Caregivers Support You, Your Family, and Your Health
Maintain your health and keep your cognitive abilities strong by establishing regular routines for bed. A trained personal support worker from Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON is a perfect choice to making the most of your Golden Years. We support you and your family with tailored care plans that keep you engaged with life.