Sleep Tips: Has your elderly loved one been tossing and turning at night?

Do they tell you they stare at their clock throughout the night? These are both signs that your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough sleep. There are some other signs that you should be aware of that show they aren’t getting enough quality sleep, as well.

It is important to know that your elderly loved one should be getting between 7 to 9 hours of good sleep each night. If they aren’t this can affect their health in numerous ways. Keep reading here to find out if your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough sleep. If they aren’t, you should have them work with their doctor to find solutions, so they can get better sleep.

Trouble Falling Asleep

Do you or home care providers notice that, even when your elderly loved one is tired, they have trouble falling asleep? If this is something you notice, this could mean your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough sleep, especially if they are getting up early in the morning, as well. There could be many reasons why your elderly loved one has trouble falling asleep.

Some of the things you and home care providers could try, so your elderly loved one can fall asleep easier, include the following:

  • Get blackout curtains for the room they sleep in
  • Check into getting a new mattress and/or pillows
  • Have them turn off electronics at least 2 hours before they go to bed
  • Make sure they aren’t eating too close to the time they are going to bed
  • These are some tips that might help your elderly loved one to go to sleep easier.
  • Feeling Irritable or Drowsy When They Get Up

Have you or a home care provider noticed that your elderly loved one feels irritable or drowsy when they wake up in the morning? If so, this could mean they aren’t getting enough quality sleep. There are various things you can do to help your elderly loved ones to feel less irritable or drowsy when they get up.

Some of these sleep tips include the following:

  • Have them wake up later in the morning
  • Have your elderly loved one take a 30 to 45-minute early afternoon nap
  • Have your elderly loved one do something that relaxes them first thing in the morning

These are all things that could help your elderly loved one to feel better in the morning. However, it is important that they start finding ways to get better sleep.

Forgetting Things

Many people who don’t get quality sleep, especially when that happens night after night, will start forgetting things. Some of the things that your elderly loved one might be forgetting if they aren’t getting enough sleep include the following:

  • Forgetting to go to appointments
  • Forgetting to take their medications
  • Forgetting to make phone calls they need to make
  • Forgetting where they put things
  • If your elderly loved one is forgetting these things, you should have them see their doctor. Their doctor can help them to find a solution, so they can sleep better.

 

Sleep Tips: Conclusion

Above, you have read some of the signs that your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough sleep. It is imperative that you and the home care providers try everything possible to help your elderly loved one to get better sleep. If needed, be sure your elderly loved one sees their doctor for other sleep tips.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Homecare in Lakeville, MA, please contact the caring staff at Cranberry Home Care today. 508-946-2200

Sources
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/