Seniors already prone to sleeping problems, like insomnia, can have even more trouble sleeping during the winter. The short days and lack of light can throw off the body’s Circadian rhythm and mess up the body’s internal clock. Seniors may also struggle with seasonal depression, which can cause them to sleep too much or too little. The winter can be a difficult time for seniors to get enough sleep due to medications and other factors. If your senior parent is having trouble sleeping, these tips may help them sleep:
Maintain A Strict Bedtime
Going to bed at the same time each night will help seniors stay in a good sleep routine. Going to bed at the same time each night will reset their internal clock to get tired around that time every night. If seniors can’t sleep, they should go to bed each night and read or listen to music in bed to help them calm down enough to sleep.
Take A Hot Bath Or Shower
Taking a hot bath or shower about half an hour before bed can be soothing and help seniors relax. It can work as a sort of signal to the body and mind that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. A warm bath or shower can make seniors more comfortable by raising their body temperature.
Get An Electric Blanket
One of the reasons why many seniors have trouble sleeping in the winter is drafts. Even if the house is warm, leaky windows, poor insulation, and other issues can cause drafts that make bedrooms very cold. Instead of cranking the heat, seniors should sleep with an electric blanket where the heat can be set and maintained. Once seniors are in bed under the electric blanket, they can stay warm all night.
Get Home Care Assistance
Home care assistance can provide peace of mind that seniors need to feel comfortable in their homes at night. Having someone else present to help with emergencies at night can reduce stress and help seniors sleep better. You will probably feel better too when someone is there with your senior parent and they’re not spending long dark nights alone.