Caring for a Parent with Insomnia

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | August 3, 2017 | Comments Off on Caring for a Parent with Insomnia
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Senior Care Bernardsville NJ: Caring for a Parent with Insomnia

Insomnia is a common condition in the elderly. According to an article in The American Journal of Medicine, this common sleep disorder affects more than 50 percent of the elderly population. Even medical doctors will suggest that it is undertreated and often considered a normal part of aging. And yet sleeping is when our bodies recharge and heal, leaving insomnia a fairly serious disorder that needs to be addressed. The most common form of insomnia among the elderly is in the late sleep-phase. This refers to a sleep pattern in which someone falls asleep with relative ease, but wakes up in the very early morning hours and is unable to return to sleep.

Long-Term Effects

Insomnia in the elderly can lead to confusion, problems with memory, depression and reduced cognitive awareness. It can increase the symptoms associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Overall, it reduces one’s quality of life.

Causes

There are numerous causes for this condition in the elderly, which makes it increasingly difficult to pinpoint as one ages. Some of the causes include chronic pain, COPD, incontinence, cardiovascular disease, a form of dementia, and gastroesophageal reflux. Other times it may be due to depression, certain medications or stress.

Solutions

Make an appointment with your parent’s primary health care provider to determine if there is an underlying cause. If there is an underlying disease or medication causing the insomnia, their physician will address those directly. If it is due to lifestyle choices or emotional concerns, there are steps that you, as the family caregiver, can take to help your parent sleep more soundly.

  • Set a sleep schedule in which your parent goes to bed and arises at the same time each day. The body adapts well to routine. Limit naps to early in the afternoon and for no more than 30 minutes.
  • Limit water intake to two hours before bed and reduce the amount of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol that they consume.
  • Create a bedtime ritual. This may include a warm bath filled with Epsom salts and a few drops of their favorite essential oil, or a cup of herbal tea and reading a book together.
  • Include at least 30 minutes of exercise into their daily schedule, but make it earlier in the day.
  • Make lunch their biggest meal and dinner a lighter fare at least a few hours before bed.

Senior Care Provider

If you’re uncertain about your parent’s sleep cycle, but notice some concerning symptoms, consider obtaining a senior care provider for respite care during evening hours. They can keep watch over your parent and determine what the triggers may be as well as daily sleep patterns. They can also assist with everyday activities, help develop a routine for your parent, and provide that all-important companionship.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Bernardsville, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Resources

http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(05)01056-9/abstract

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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