Sleep is an important part of staying healthy and having a good quality of life. For many seniors, sleep is a challenge. The nightly struggle for restful sleep can be frustrating and exhausting for them.
That is why it’s important to know how seniors can get a good night’s rest. This blog post will share some tips on how seniors can get the best sleep possible and stay alert throughout the day.
Why Is It Important That Seniors To Have a Good Night Sleep?
Seniors who get a good night’s sleep are more likely to maintain their independence and stay healthy. Sleep deprivation can lead to several health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Good sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation, is sleeping in bed at least 85% of the time; falling asleep in 30 minutes or less, waking up no more than once per night, and being awake for 20 minutes or less after initially falling asleep.
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A good night’s sleep is essential for good health and longevity. It can also improve their mood and cognitive function throughout the day.
These are the things you can do to help your seniors to get a good night sleep:
- Establish a bedtime routine: Scheduling regular bedtimes are key for seniors who want to get the rest they need. Instead of staying up late to watch TV, try encouraging your loved one to go to bed at the same time every night to encourage their body’s natural sleep pattern. Limit cell phone use and TV time an hour before bedtime.
- Limit caffeine intake: Many seniors are unaware of how much caffeine they consume. Limit your loved one’s intake of caffeinated beverages. It can be difficult to regulate caffeine content because coffee, teas, and other caffeinated drinks often contain more than just caffeine.
- Avoid heavy meals at night: Seniors need to maintain a healthy weight and diet. Heavy meals can induce heartburn and upset the stomach, limiting the amount of restful sleep your loved one will get. Try encouraging your loved one to eat their largest meal during lunch or mid-afternoon instead of night.
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- Create a dark and quiet environment: Seniors need to sleep in a dark and quiet room to get the most restful sleep. Make sure to use heavy curtains or shades for your loved one’s bedroom window. The darkness encourages sleep while the light wakes seniors up in the morning. Use the bed only for sleeping or sex. Try a sound machine if there are traffic noises.
- Get the right mattress: It is necessary to pick the best mattress for seniors because the improper mattress might harm their health and sleep quality. If you are buying a new mattress for your loved one, look for firm and supportive ones. Be sure to get the right size too. Weighted Blankets may be beneficial: Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) DTP helps the brain to release serotonin, melatonin and dopamine.
- Maintain a comfortable bedroom temperature: A cool, comfortable environment is one of the keys to a good night’s rest. The ideal bedroom temperature for seniors is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but most doctors recommend having the thermostat set between 60- and 67-degrees Fahrenheit for the most pleasant sleep.
Taking care of your senior loved ones is a responsibility that no one should take lightly. This includes ensuring they get enough rest at night, which can be hard to do if you don’t know what to look for.
A good night’s rest is crucial in maintaining overall health and wellness as they age, so you need to ensure they get enough rest each day. By following the tips given in this guide, you can help ensure your senior loved ones are getting the sleep they need to remain happy and healthy.
To find out more information about in-home senior care services, contact Arista Home Care Solutions at (419)-754-1897.