Sleepiness in Seniors

Did you know seniors 65+ need 7-8 hours of sleep per night? Is your senior loved one falling short? If so, they are not alone. Sleep Foundation researchers estimate that “between 40% and 70% of older adults have chronic sleep issues and up to half of cases may be undiagnosed.” Sleep issues can affect your overall quality of life and have a negative effect on your senior loved one’s immune system. Our wellness experts at Melody Living Lake in the Hills assisted living and memory care have tips to help your senior loved one get a better night’s sleep.
 

​Create a Routine
So many of our residents here at Melody Living are parents who remember the good old days of raising
babies. The golden rule has always been and always will be to create a sleep routine to optimize sleep. Seniors should try to go to bed at the same time each night and then wake up at the same time every morning. A sleep routine can also consist of activities your loved ones do before they get into bed. We suggest listening to calming music, using lavender oil, and setting aside 20 minutes of reading time or prayers.

​Exercise
Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ senior living community has several options for our residents to achieve daily exercise goals. Spring weather allows for outdoor walks and fresh air both linked to a better night’s sleep. Researchers believe seniors who exercise regularly fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and report better quality of sleep.

​Watch What You Drink
The rule of thumb is stop drinking caffeine by 4:00 p.m. However, if your senior loved one enjoys a late afternoon cup of coffee or tea, and they have a hard time falling asleep, try adjusting that cup of coffee or tea to be at least half an hour earlier than they are used to or switch to decaf. Then, slowly keep pushing the time back so that they are no longer drinking past 4:00 p.m. We suggest you communicate daily with your loved one and create a chart to see if this practice is making a difference.
 
Talk To The Doc
If none of these practices are working for your senior loved one, it is probably time to discuss sleep issues with the doctor. An underlying medical issue can affect your sleep and a medical professional will be able to have a conversation with you and your loved one to answer all of your questions and make further recommendations. For more information on Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ senior living community, give us a call today at 847.957.7070.