5 Remedies for Insomnia in Seniors

Insomnia is one of the most pressing issues affecting people in our culture. Busy, stressful daily routines often cause this disorder in younger generations, but at least half of seniors experience insomnia as well. Elderly people need adequate amounts of sleep to restore energy and ensure proper bodily functions. If the senior you care for is experiencing frequent insomnia, it may be time to find some effective remedies.

Seniors deserve a good night’s rest, and caregivers can help improve their sleep patterns. Here are a few insomnia remedies for seniors who struggle with sleep:

• Keep a regular sleep schedule. Irregular sleeping patterns are one of the main contributing factors to insomnia. Help your loved one keep a set schedule of when to go to sleep and when to wake up.
• Take part in calming activities before bed. Reading a book, listening to music or taking a warm bath are all ways to settle the mind before bed. Low-stress activities help seniors relax, providing a wonderful remedy for their insomnia.
  
• Lay off excessive napping. While seniors require more rest time throughout the day than younger people, too much daytime sleeping can affect night sleep patterns. Monitor your loved one’s napping tendencies throughout the day and help them limit the time taken.
  
• Create a dark sleeping environment. One of the best remedies for senior insomnia is keeping the bedroom as dark as possible. Too much light in a room activates neurons in our brains that keep us awake. Ideally, you should turn off all the lights from lamps, screens, etc. Seniors should disengage from TV, computers, phones, tablets, and other screens at least 30 minutes before heading to bed.
  
• Avoid heavy meals and spicy food. Eating foods that contain spicy and heavy components can upset your stomach, especially if eaten before bed. Encourage seniors to eat light food throughout the evening to avoid those dreaded midnight stomachaches.

Senior caretakers should research and practice the best insomnia remedies. These natural cures are safe ways to alleviate moderate insomnia. However, seniors with more serious symptoms should speak with their doctor.

If you are the family caregiver and need help, please call Visiting Angels. Our senior care providers can provide assistance throughout the day. We even offer overnight care so you can get a good night’s sleep.