Navigating the Night: A Guide to the Best and Worst Tips for Seniors with Insomnia

By Marina Pink | February 5, 2024 |

The ability to sleep is essential to overall health, and with age, it becomes more and more important to keep a regular sleep schedule. A common sleep issue called insomnia can have a serious negative effect on seniors’ quality of life. We’ll look at both the greatest and worst solutions for seniors with insomnia in this article, providing helpful advice for a good night’s sleep. At the same time, we can explore how a 24-hour home care aide may help.

Good Advice Regarding Insomnia

While no situation is the same, the following is considered good advice for seniors who might be struggling with insomnia. Their 24-hour home care team and loved ones can assist with some of these tips as well as monitor what might be triggering difficulties sleeping.

Create a Sleep Routine: Creating a constant sleep routine is one of the best strategies to treat insomnia. Seniors should be encouraged to sleep and wake up at the same times every day, including on the weekends. This enhances the quality of their sleep and helps to balance their body’s internal clock.
Establish a Calm Bedtime Ritual: Creating a peaceful bedtime ritual tells the body that it’s time to relax. This can involve things like reading a book, doing light stretching exercises, or listening to relaxing music. The secret to encouraging relaxation close to bedtime is to steer clear of stimulating activities.
Optimize the Sleep Environment: Make the bedroom cozy and restful to establish the perfect sleeping environment. This can include purchasing cozy pillows and blankets, along with monitoring the room for the right temperature. Some seniors might also need a fan going while they sleep. The home care team can explore these items with seniors to see what might work best.
Promote Frequent Physical Activity: Sleep is one of the many health advantages of regular physical activity. Seniors should be encouraged to do light activities during the day, including walking or easy yoga. But it’s imperative to avoid doing strenuous exercise right before bed. This is the perfect opportunity for 24-hour home care to step in and insist, as they can keep seniors engaged during the day to ensure they get the right amount of activity.

Poor Advice Regarding Insomnia

While there is some good advice out there for those with insomnia, there are also tips that might not be the best idea.

Use of Sleeping Pills: Although prescription medications may be necessary in certain situations, an excessive dependence on sleeping pills can result in dependency and other health problems. Seniors need to try non-pharmacological methods before turning to prescription drugs.
Ignoring Underlying Health Issues: Sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, and other conditions can all have insomnia as a symptom. Ignoring these concerns can make it harder to sleep. Seniors should be urged to consult a doctor if their sleeplessness continues.
Irregular Napping Habits: Taking naps during the day might be helpful, but taking naps that are too long or irregular can throw off the sleep-wake cycle. If necessary, the 24-hour home care team should only encourage quick, well-timed naps and remind seniors not to nap too close to bedtime.

It takes a comprehensive strategy that considers lifestyle, surroundings, and general well-being to help seniors with insomnia. Together, the 24-hour home care team and loved ones can help seniors strike a balance that helps them get a better night’s sleep.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring 24-Hour Home Care in San Marino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call us today at (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.