Seniors might feel as if bedtime routines aren’t something that they need to worry about, but it’s amazing how helpful they can be. A peaceful bedtime routine sets the stage for restful sleep and can help seniors to experience better overall health. Creating a calming evening routine and following through signals the body and the brain that it’s time to wind down and get some rest. Live-in care providers can do a lot to help aging adults work out what might be most helpful in a relaxing bedtime routine.
Consistency Is Key
The first step in any good bedtime routine is consistency. For seniors who haven’t really had a bedtime routine in the past, just setting a consistent bedtime might be the only step in the routine for a little while. As that gets easier, they can gradually add more steps in the routine. Home care providers can make suggestions based on what seniors need.
Comfort Matters
Creating a comfortable space for sleep makes it easier to adopt bedtime routines, too. Overnight room temperature can be a big issue. Cooler rooms make sleep easier, but individual preferences matter, too. Live-in care providers can help seniors make sure their spaces are perfectly set up for overnight comfort.
Gentle Relaxation Techniques Help
Relaxation techniques before bed help to reduce tension, ease anxiety, and help the body prepare for sleep. Deep breathing exercises can help some people, but if seniors have breathing issues these might not be comfortable. Guided meditations or sleep stories through an app help shift the mind away from anything that might cause it to worry and allows seniors to slip off to sleep.
Pay Attention to Stimulants
For a lot of seniors, bedtime routines can start a lot sooner in the day than they realize. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine well before a certain point in the day makes sleep possible and easier to attain. Other possible culprits that can interfere in sleep could include nicotine, heavy meals, and alcohol. Live-in care providers can help seniors structure their day so that these sleep interrupters don’t occur too late in the day.
Limit Screen Time
Another issue for some folks when they’re trying to establish a solid sleep routine is screen time before bed. Screens from devices like smartphones, computers, and televisions emit blue light that slows down melatonin production. Melatonin helps regulate sleep, so when the production of this hormone is interrupted, seniors might have trouble getting the sleep they need. Routines before bed that help limit screen time or that encourage blue light filters can help.
Increase Activity During the Day
When the brain is tired and knows it’s time to sleep but the body has too much energy to go to sleep, seniors may find that they’re not getting the restful sleep they want. Staying active during the day can help seniors to be ready for sleep when it’s time. Increasing physical activity helps improve health in other ways, too.
Calm, relaxing bedtime routines are a big step toward improved quality of life and better overall wellness. Live-in care providers help seniors figure out what their own routines need to consist of to best support them with their sleep goals.
If you are considering live-in care in Houston, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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