When you’re caring for an aging loved one, you may not get sufficient sleep. Recuperative sleep is important to your wellbeing, and if you become sleep-deprived, you may be unable to effectively fulfill your role as a responsible caregiver. Here are a few ways you can get a good night’s rest.
Go Out in the Sun More Often
Exposure to natural sunlight during the day prepares the body for sleep at night. Sunlight may play an important role in the production of the hormone melatonin, which combats the effects of jet lag and insomnia. While supplemental melatonin can enhance your sleep cycle, taking it late at night may lead to daytime sleepiness. Sun exposure may also promote vitamin D synthesis, another important factor in restorative sleep.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to take a break from your caregiving duties to get some sleep. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated elderly home care, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Increase Magnesium Intake
Eating magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, chocolate, and avocados may enhance the quality of your sleep. Magnesium is thought to calm the mind, relax muscles, and promote an even heart rate. If you’re unable to eat magnesium-rich foods, talk to your doctor about taking magnesium supplements to sleep better at night.
While magnesium enhances the quality of sleep, taking too much could cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Magnesium can also interact with prescription anticoagulants and aspirin, raising your risk for abnormal bleeding.
Caring for senior loved ones can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Columbia families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Take a Walk
Exercise is an important component of good sleep hygiene. Even short spurts of mild exercise such as walking can enhance the quality of sleep. Consider taking a leisurely stroll after dinner, and invite your loved one to join you. Walking may promote a restful slumber for both of you so you can enjoy the next day with more energy and purpose. Check with a doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure both you and your loved one are healthy enough to walk on a regular basis.
Enjoy a Hobby
Caregiving can be stressful and depressing at times. When you’re depressed or anxious, sleep may not come easily. Try taking up a hobby you have always been interested in, as it may give you something to look forward to. It’s a good idea to find a hobby you can enjoy in the home while you’re caring for your loved one. Pursuing a favorite activity offers mental stimulation, provides peace of mind, and enhances the quality of sleep.
Caring for older adults can be a challenging task for overworked and sleep-deprived caregivers. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality Home Care, Columbia Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today.
