How to Create the Perfect Sleep Environment for Your Aging Loved One
Good sleep is essential for good physical, mental, and emotional health. However, as we get older, it can become more difficult to get enough restful sleep to power our bodies during the day.
Between physical discomfort, increased light sensitivity, and mobility issues, there are many things that can hinder your senior loved one’s sleep. In this article, we’ll go over some steps you can take to create the perfect sleep environment for your senior loved one.
Why Proper Sleep Is Essential for Seniors
Getting restful sleep doesn’t just make you feel better during the day; it is also key to keeping many of the body’s regulatory processes working properly.
Getting enough sleep has many unseen benefits, including bolstering the immune system, promoting good heart health, improving emotional regulation, and more.
To help your senior loved one enjoy these benefits, it’s important that you address potential obstacles to their sleep.
Key Elements of a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Use Comfortable Blankets and Sheets
Bodies become more prone to aches and pains as they age. To help make sleeping more comfortable despite this, ensure that your loved one’s bed is full of comfortable bedding.
You can also add supportive pillows to help ensure their head and neck are properly supported through the night.
Keep a Reasonable Temperature
If your loved one is too warm or cold during the night, they likely won’t get the restful sleep they need. Keep their home at a temperature of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Research suggests that this is the best temperature to promote rejuvenating sleep for seniors.
Block Unwanted Light
Use blackout curtains to keep your loved one’s bedroom dark and non-stimulating. If your loved one desires, you can keep dim night lights near the floor of the room to help them use the bathroom at night without interfering with their sleep.
Take Care of Outside Noise
Use a fan or another source of white noise to block out the sounds of the street outside. Consider having a polite conversation with your loved one’s neighbors about sound during the night if that is a concern.
Keep Walkways Clear
In addition to adding night lights along the floor, you should also clean up any clutter on your loved one’s floor to ensure that they do not trip if they get up to use the bathroom at night.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Help your senior loved one get better sleep by offering sleep-promoting routines in the evening. They should stop using screens at least an hour before bed, as the light they emit can interfere with the body’s sleep and wakefulness cycles.
Encourage your senior loved one to read a book and listen to relaxing music in the evening. You should also limit the amount of caffeine they drink during the day to ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact their sleep.
How Our Team at Visiting Angels Can Help
At Visiting Angels of Coral Springs, we can help your loved one with their bedtime routine. Our Angels are ready to help set up their bedroom, walk them to bed, and assist with any bedtime tasks like brushing their teeth or changing into pajamas.
Our caregivers are even available in the late evenings if your loved one is dealing with a chronic condition and needs someone to watch over them during the night.
Find Out More Today With a Free In-Home Care Consultation
If you would like to schedule a free in-home care consultation with our professional caregivers at Visiting Angels of Coral Springs, call us at 954-688-9342 or fill out our online contact form today to get started! We look forward to serving you and your family!