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Helping Seniors To Better Their Sleep Patterns

There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep to get you rested, rejuvenated and re-energized for the following day. It sounds like a no-brainer to say, doesn’t it? However, so many people seem to rely on morning coffees or even energy drinks to give them the boosts they need to start each day.

Older adults can’t and shouldn’t rely on such energy-boosting methods. For senior citizens, getting good rest couldn’t be more important. The problem, however, is that due to their advanced years, getting adequate sleep can be difficult. Everything from aches and pains to repeated needs to use the washroom at night can inhibit a good night’s sleep. So what can seniors do to better their sleep patterns?

Avoid electronics at least an hour before bedtime.

Too often, we forget that good sleep involves a combination of both mental and physical rest. How often do you lie quietly in your bed only to toss and turn thanks to the thoughts you can’t seem to get out of your head? For most people, watching television, listening to music or using the computer are activities they engage in right before bedtime. Try to cut out the use of electronics about an hour before bedtime to relax your mind as well as your body.

According to HelpGuide.org, doing so will naturally boost your melatonin levels. “Artificial lights at night can suppress your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy,” the website informs us, “Use low-wattage bulbs where safe to do so, and turn off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed.”

Watch what you eat before turning in.

Are you chowing down on sweets before bedtime? Do you have something sugary to drink before hitting the sack? Eating and drinking right before you go to bed isn’t a good recipe for a good night’s sleep as the full and bloated feeling isn’t exactly a comfortable one when lying down. That said, avoiding food when you’re hungry isn’t necessarily the answer. As Toronto’s C-Care Health Services points out, seniors should eat healthy and eat light before bed.

“Maintain a healthy diet and watch what you eat just before bedtime,” they advise, “Plan to have your dinner at least three hours before bedtime. You can have a light snack such as yogurt or cereal and milk to satisfy hunger just before bed. But you should avoid caffeine late in the day, spicy or big meals, and alcohol and other beverages just before bedtime.”

Invest in a home hospital bed.

Home hospital beds allow individuals to increase sleeping comfort by adjusting bed positioning with proper therapeutic mattress surfaces. They are perfect for individuals who have hard times getting in and out of their beds, have sleeping issues or insomnia or are bedridden. In addition, transferring and caring for loved ones in who use home hospital beds is safer and easier because of their height adjustable features.

If you have any questions about the home hospital beds offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!

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