Sleep is made up of several different stages, including light sleep, REM, and periods of deep sleep. Deeper sleep is when the body is able to recharge and heal more effectively, which is especially important for seniors. Sometimes seniors find that they’re not getting the deep sleep they need and want, but home care providers can help them build habits around restorative sleep.
Consider Movement and Sunlight During the Day
If they’re cleared by their doctors to exercise, seniors might want to consider starting an exercise program. Regular activity during the day helps to regulate sleep cycles and prepares the body for sleep. Morning sunlight exposure also helps to regulate the natural sleep-wake cycle, which can be beneficial for seniors who want to get deeper sleep.
Home care providers can build supportive routines that include movement, sunlight, and other helpful activities.
Limit Daytime Napping
Napping for long periods of time or later in the day can present a big problem for seniors when they are ready to get deeper sleep. Naps don’t have to disappear, though. Shorter naps earlier in the afternoon can be refreshing and won’t interfere with sleep.
Home care providers can help seniors stick to their goals around sleep and daytime napping.
Optimize the Bedroom
Sometimes the culprit is the bedroom, especially if seniors aren’t comfortable overnight. Making the room as dark and cool as possible supports better, more restful sleep for aging adults. It can also help to have home care providers available overnight in case seniors wake up and need additional help.
Create Calming Routines for the End of the Day
The right routine before bed helps seniors to mentally wind down from a busy day, but it also signals to their bodies that it’s time to get some sleep.
Home care providers understand the challenges seniors face. They can work with aging adults to determine what they enjoy and want from their evening routines.
Watch Food and Drinks Later in the Day
Some food and drink choices might surprise seniors with how much they can affect sleep quality. Foods that are too spicy or that leave seniors uncomfortable in other ways might pose problems. Beverages that contain caffeine are usually better for the morning, not the afternoon or evening.
Home care providers help seniors plan their meals so that they’re less likely to stay awake because of what they’re eating.
Stay Consistent
Another solution that helps seniors get better and deeper sleep is to make sure they’re keeping their sleep routines consistent. This is a lot easier with the help of home care providers. Sticking with a regular waking time, sleep time, and consistent routines throughout the day all work toward helping seniors get the rest they want.
Better, deeper sleep is possible, even for aging adults. What they need are the right habits and support systems. Home care providers work with families and aging adults to establish habits and routines that meet their needs and their goals, whether that’s with sleep or with other challenges seniors face.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Oconomowoc, WI, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (414) 206-2090
At Talem Home Care of Milwaukee, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Brookfield, Cudahy, Delafield, Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis, and surrounding areas in Wisconsin.
