Overcoming Daytime Sleepiness in Seniors
Home care assistance can help seniors improve their sleep routines and well-being.
Daytime sleepiness is a widespread problem among seniors, sometimes caused by inconsistent sleep patterns, medications they’re prescribed, or medical issues. While a quick nap might be beneficial, excessive daytime tiredness can disrupt nocturnal sleep, creating a cycle of poor sleep quality. Addressing this issue requires a combination of practical methods, along with home care assistance and support from loved ones.
Adopt a Structured Daily Routine
Maintaining a constant routine for waking up, eating, and sleeping helps to regulate the body’s internal clock. Loved ones and home care assistance caregivers can encourage seniors to wake up at the same time every morning and avoid sleeping in, even if they had a rough night.
Regular activities throughout the day, such as modest exercise, meals, and hobbies, help to increase alertness and reduce the likelihood of afternoon slumps.
Prioritizing Morning Sunlight
Exposure to natural light in the morning causes the brain to become alert and active. This helps regulate circadian rhythms, which play an important role in sleep-wake cycles.
Seniors can take advantage of these benefits by going for a morning walk, sitting by a sunny window, or spending time on their patio. For seniors with limited movement, merely moving back the curtains to allow sunshine in can make a difference.
Stay Engaged with Activities
Mental and physical stimulation throughout the day reduces the likelihood of feeling lethargic. Loved ones can encourage seniors to do gentle exercises like yoga or tai chi, focus on hobbies like gardening or knitting, or join social groups. Even brief walks or seated activities can increase energy and combat fatigue.
Additionally, with home care assistance, they can be monitored during activities to make sure they stay safe.
Maintain Proper Diet and Hydration
A well-balanced meal and proper fluids are essential for staying energized throughout the day. Also, it’s important to encourage seniors to limit sugary snacks and caffeine late in the afternoon, as they can impair sleep later. Instead, promote healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and whole-grain crackers to maintain energy levels.
Limit Long or Late Naps
While a 20-30 minute nap might be rejuvenating, prolonged naps or those taken late in the afternoon may disrupt overnight sleep. If seniors must nap, they should take short naps earlier in the day to prevent upsetting their sleep routine.
Address Underlying Health Issues
Chronic pain, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome can all lead to daytime fatigue and poor nightly sleep. Loved ones can encourage seniors to consult their healthcare team to address these problems, optimize medications, and look into treatments that can enhance overall sleep quality.
The Importance of Home Care Assistance
Seniors with home care assistance gain valuable support as they try to overcome daytime sleepiness. Trained home care assistance caregivers provide specialized support that is suited to each senior’s requirements, as well as make recommendations that create a peaceful bedtime environment and a consistent schedule throughout the day.
Additionally, as mentioned, they can monitor seniors during physical exercise to make sure they remain safe. Finally, with home care assistance by their side, seniors gain confidence in trying new things, which can increase their activity levels during the day.
Seniors can overcome daytime tiredness and enjoy restful nights by combining practical ideas with professional home care assistance and support from their loved ones. This not only enhances their quality of life but also promotes overall health and well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 948-0860. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue/fatigue-older-adults
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigue-fighting-tips
- https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/how-to-sleep-well-as-you-age
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