Managing Insomnia in Older Adults: Practical Tips and Strategies

Insomnia is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. While it’s a nuisance at any age, it can be especially stressful for older adults who need quality sleep to remain healthy.

When a senior struggles with insomnia, it can put excess strain on their heart and exacerbate cognitive concerns. Learn some practical tips and strategies for managing insomnia in older adults.

Set a Schedule

One simple way to improve your loved one’s sleeping habits is by creating a sleeping schedule for them.

Over time, adhering to a schedule can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. A sleep schedule for a senior living on their own or with minimal assistance may call for them to turn in at 9 p.m. every night and wake up at 7 a.m. every morning.

When someone sticks to a sleep schedule, it can gradually train their body to follow a more regular pattern of rest. If needed, you can always amend the schedule to be more flexible for seniors with unique needs or preferences.

Create a Comfortable Environment

A common factor behind many cases of insomnia is discomfort. Whether it be physical or mental discomfort, many older adults struggle with the ability to get comfortable at bedtime.

To help resolve this issue, try to create a more comfortable environment for your senior loved one. Choose soft, breathable bedding that won’t cause them to overheat. Being too hot can significantly hinder sleep quality, so it’s important to stay cool throughout the night.

If the older adult in your life can’t sleep because of emotional discomfort, they might need a little soothing in the form of solutions like white noise machines or aromatherapy. Light background noise and lavender essential oil can produce a calming effect that induces sleepiness in a senior living with insomnia.

Develop a Sleep-Friendly Diet

Sometimes, dietary habits are the culprit behind sleep troubles. Having caffeine too late in the day or consuming too much sugar can lead to insomnia for many. Having your senior loved one adhere to a sleep-friendly diet can help.

Start by identifying the dietary factors that lead to their trouble sleeping, and limit or completely eliminate these items. Avoiding these foods can help your senior loved one fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.

Addressing Insomnia in Senior Living

Do you know an older adult who’s struggling with insomnia? Tossing and turning during the night can burden anyone, but it can have serious effects on seniors. Lack of quality sleep can contribute to everything from heart disease to increased cancer risk.

To help the senior in your life get a better night’s sleep, try implementing strategies like setting a sleep schedule or following a sleep-friendly diet. You might be surprised what a difference it makes to your loved one’s overall well-being.