It’s very common for seniors that are living alone to have some anxiety at night. Even though your mom or dad may be quite happy living alone at home they may be a little anxious when night falls. Evenings can be lonely for seniors, especially if they are used to having a spouse or someone with them who is gone now.
Seniors also worry about crime, bad weather, and emergencies at night. They may be uneasy about what will happen to them if there is some kind of emergency and they are home alone. 24-hour home care is the perfect solution to nighttime anxiety.
If your mom or dad is living alone and as they get older or their health gets worse they worry more about being alone, having 24-hour home care will give them peace of mind. Your mom or dad won’t be alone, so they won’t worry, and neither will you.
Some other things that can help seniors prevent nighttime anxiety are:
Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Having a set bedtime and a bedtime routine will help your mom or dad wind down and get their minds and bodies ready to relax and go to sleep. Activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing gentle stretching or yoga, or listening to soothing music can help your senior parent calm down for sleep.
Limit Electronics
If your senior parent is using their tablet or smart phone a lot, or playing games on their computer right up until bedtime, try to get them to turn off their electronics at least an hour before they want to sleep. Long exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
The bedroom should be comfortable, temperature controlled, quiet, and dark. Go over your mom or dad’s bedroom and look for things that you can help them improve. Hanging black out curtains, getting a white noise machine, buying new bedding, or getting some new pillows can make the bedroom more comfortable.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Encourage your mom or dad to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Meditation and other mindfulness techniques can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation before bedtime.
See A Doctor
If nighttime anxiety is persistent or severe, it could be caused by a medical condition. Your senior parent should talk to their doctor about the anxiety they’re having, and the symptoms associated with it. Medication, counseling, and other treatments can help lower that anxiety so y our senior parent can sleep.
Be More Social
Loneliness can cause nighttime anxiety. Spending time with loved ones, participating in hobbies or leisure activities, and seeking support from friends or support groups can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall sleep quality. Getting 24-hour home care can also help alleviate that loneliness and anxiety because your senior parent won’t be alone during the night.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in St. Louis Park, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
