Helping an Elderly Parent Sleep Through the Night

By Marlene Diaz | November 11, 2016 |

Elder Care Shoreline WA

Insomnia is a leading problem reported amount the elderly. There are multiple reasons for this issue; therefore, determining the cause is vital to finding the solution. The first step is to make an appointment with their elder health care provider to determine if an underlying disease is creating the problem.

Some diseases that can cause insomnia include arthritis, chronic pain, gastro-esophageal reflux (better known as heartburn), Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea and depression. Medications that can cause insomnia include beta blockers for hypertension, other drugs designed for cardiovascular issues, medications which contain stimulants such as over-the-counter cold medicines, opiods for pain, and some anti-depressant drugs.

If your elder loved one has been issued a clean bill of health, the following steps can help bring sleep to sleepless nights.

Routine
Help them develop a routine. Prepare for bed at a select time each night and set the alarm for a set time each morning. Eventually, the body will adapt to these time frames. Some nice rituals before bedtime include taking a warm bath and drinking a cup of herbal tea. Both help the body to relax and let the mind know it’s time to wind down. Be sure they turn off the television and that they relax before sleep by thinking of five things they can be grateful for. This helps slow down the mental chatter, promoting less anxiety and more serotonin—the feel-good neurotransmitter.

Food Intake

No food should be eaten a few hours before bed in order to keep the digestive system quiet. No liquid should be consumed 90 minutes prior to bed in order to curb midnight trips to the bathroom. All stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine need to be monitored. If they have not been able to give up cigarettes as yet, a top priority, they should stop smoking at least three hours before bed. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea and chocolates and other food and drink, should be consumed at least four hours before bed with limited use during the day. Alcohol should also be avoided late in the day with limited use during the daytime.

There are a few foods that help you sleep. Most of these are high in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps make serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that helps set the sleep-wake cycle. Foods to choose from include walnuts, almonds, dairy products and turkey.

Help

If the thought of setting your loved one up for sleep success leaves you tired, consider seeking out the aid of an elder care provider . These professionals can assist with the daily activities of life as well as helping your parent keep to the program that promotes a restful night.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Shoreline WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

Author
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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.