Insomnia is one of the most common complaint with seniors.  It’s important for seniors to get enough rest. Most adults need about six to eight hours of sleep. Seniors who suffer from lack  of  sleep are more prone to get sick, be exhausted, have mood changes, memory issues and lack of judgement. Seniors who get a good night sleep will not only feel better but will also ease caregivers on caring for them.       

There are many reasons why seniors have trouble sleeping.  Some common factors could be that they are in pain from the condition or difficulty that they’ve been diagnosed with, death of a spouse, worry and stress.

Ways to manage sleep loss:

Make seniors feel safe in their own home.  Regularly check smoke alarms, locks on doors and bells. Also keep a phone close to their bed in case of emergency. 

Close curtains or blinds. Some seniors find that a dark or semidark room can help them sleep better instead of light coming through.

Keep the room quiet. Seniors are light sleepers so any noise can affect their sleep.

Play calming music or sound machines.  If they are light sleepers, the noise will drown out any unneccessary noise that keeps them up at night.

Provide a hot water bottle. Heating pads are dangerous if left too long or hazardous because of accidental fires from the outlet.

Keep seniors on a routine.  Seniors tend to be creatures of habit, having a regular schedule will give them some peace of mind and will signal their body to wind down.

 Use a body pillow or pillows.  Seniors will feel safer and more relaxed.

Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime.  Light snacks or warm milk can help ease sleep deprived seniors.

These suggestions may or may not work but will hopefully help seniors get a few more snooze than they have been.