All of us experience insomnia at some point in our lives. Any disruption to our daily routine or schedules can throw our internal clocks out of whack. Time changes, foods we consume during the day, worry, stress, and illness are just some of the reasons why falling asleep may be difficult for us at times.
Seniors who experience bouts with insomnia do so for the same reasons as the rest of us. However, the elderly population is highly sensitive to change on many levels. Even the tiniest detour from their normal way of doing things can be upsetting enough to them that they will actually lose sleep over it. A new doctor, a new medication, or even a new nightgown can make the senior uncomfortable enough to where they are unable to sleep. Sometimes, there could be more sinister reasons behind a senior’s inability to sleep such as the onset of dementia or depression and then it would help to monitor the senior. Home care is one option.
Here are some things we have found, as senior home care providers, for you to consider if you notice an elderly loved one who is having trouble sleeping.
Look for a simple explanation
There are several harmless reasons that a senior might have trouble sleeping at night. Maybe their clothing or their bed covers make them itch. Perhaps their mattress is lumpy or uncomfortable. They could require more pillow support to sleep comfortably. Is their bedroom too hot or too cold? Is there too much light shining on them or is it too dark for their liking? Did they have too much coffee during the day and the caffeine is keeping them awake at night?
Digestive issues
Are they experiencing heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux that would make lying down uncomfortable? Perhaps they have an upset stomach from something they ate earlier in the day. Do they need to go to the bathroom before bed? Could the senior be constipated or have painful gas pressure that’s causing them distress?
Causes of stress, anxiety, or other emotions
Is the senior preoccupied with something such as a task they didn’t finish that day or an errand they forgot to run? Are they anxious over an approaching doctor visit? Have they experienced a recent loss of close friend, family member, or pet? Are the afraid of something? Talking to them about why they believe they are losing sleep could provide caregivers and family members with the information needed to find a simple solution to their loved one’s sleeping problem.
If you, yourself, are providing the senior home care then the above points are not too dificult to carry out and don’t require any medical training
Tags: bremerton, home care providers, in home care, port orchard, poulsbo, senior home care, silverdale
