Providing any type of senior care to someone who is suffering from insomnia can be potentially frustrating for both the patient and the senior care service provider. When you are trying to help somebody overcome insomnia, you may be trying various things and becoming more and more frustrated.
There are so many different theories about what can cure insomnia, and many of them are considered “old wives tales.” Most of these traditional theories don’t actually have any value.
Below are three strategic tips that you can implement or discuss with the patient that may be able to help alleviate at least some level of the insomnia.
Develop a routine to settle down in the evening.
Far too many people have gotten into the habit of watching television programs, such as reality shows or crime dramas that can actually stimulate the brain and the senses. This makes it difficult to calm the body and mind down in order to fall asleep quickly.
There is a common misconception that people believe watching TV actually helps them relax. For the most part it doesn’t. It only offers a distraction from anything that might be on their mind already.
Encourage the senior to avoid watching too much television right before they go to sleep. Read a book, do a puzzle, or do other activities that help to calm the mind and the body.
Avoid caffeinated beverages.
If the patient has a tendency to drink coffee throughout the day, encourage him or her to change to decaffeinated beverages. This isn’t the ideal solution, but it can be a bridge to help you reach that ideal situation. Decaffeinated coffee still contains some level of caffeine, it is just significantly lower quantities than regular coffee. Soda and other beverages that also contain caffeine should be avoided.
Have a conversation.
The last strategy that you can try to help alleviate insomnia when you are providing senior care for someone is to have a conversation with them as they are getting ready for bed. Sometimes, when you are thinking about too many things or problems in their life or throughout the day, they can become compounded when they are getting ready for sleep.
Having a conversation about anything can help distract the individual from those issues they might have a tendency to focus on when getting ready for sleep.
If nothing is working, encourage the elderly patient to speak to his or her Doctor about their insomnia. Senior care can certainly provide some support, but it isn’t going to be the all-encompassing care for this frustrating condition.
If you or a loved one could benefit from the help of senior care in St. Augustine,FL, contact the caregivers at Signature Home Health Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call 904-513-2464 for more information.
