When providing care for your senior loved one, pay close attention to his or her sleeping habits. If your loved one appears to be experiencing insomnia, it’s important to help him or her get proper rest so the condition doesn’t worsen and lead to further health complications. Here are a few natural and healthy treatments that may cure your loved one’s insomnia.
1. Sleep-Inducing Oils
In Ayurvedic medicine, base and herbal oils are used to calm the mind and remedy sleeplessness. Right before bedtime, rub a small amount of coconut or jasmine oil on your loved one’s scalp and the soles of his or her feet. The oil can be slightly warmed before use, but make sure it isn’t hot.
2. Aromatherapy
Scents such as chamomile, lavender, sage, and marjoram can promote restful sleep, especially when your loved one uses products made with plant-based ingredients. Some aromatherapy options your loved one should consider include using lavender-scented lotion right before bed, taking a relaxing bath with naturally scented soap, or using an electric scent diffuser filled with a relaxing blend of scented oils.
Sometimes seniors have a difficult time falling asleep because of stress, which can result from growing challenges with everyday activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Lincoln, CA, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
3. Spiced Milk
A cup of hot milk before bed is one of the most traditional methods of promoting restful sleep. If your loved one can’t drink dairy, he or she can use soy or almond milk or drink chamomile tea instead. Add flavors such as cinnamon or cardamom to enhance the sleep-inducing properties of the milk, but avoid adding sugar. If your loved one must have a bit of sweetness, opt for a few drops of stevia or another natural sugar substitute.
4. Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone the body produces to make a person sleepy, and it manages and regulates the sleep cycle. This supplement is available over the counter in health food stores and pharmacies. Studies show a two-milligram dose of extended-release melatonin is a good option for an aging adult who doesn’t get enough restful sleep. Typically, seniors can use melatonin for a short time to reset their sleep cycle and discontinue use when going to sleep at the desired time. While melatonin is generally safe, your loved one should consult with his or her doctor before using it to treat insomnia, especially if he or she is currently taking prescription medicines.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare services. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
5. Meditation
Studies have shown meditation reduces stress while promoting focus and concentration. If depression, stress, or anxiety interferes with your loved one’s sleep cycle, suggest meditating for at least a few minutes each day. A guided meditation CD is a good option if your loved one doesn’t know how to meditate or if he or she has difficulty getting started.
Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health issues in aging adults. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Lincoln seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care methods, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.