We may love the longer days and warmer temperatures, but these changes sometimes throw off our loved ones' sleep schedules. Ensuring our seniors get enough restful sleep is crucial, as it significantly contributes to their overall health and well-being. This blog post explores how to help our loved ones adjust to the season's changes, decrease sleep issues, and enjoy long, restful summer nights.
Understanding Sleep Needs for Seniors
As we age, various factors contribute to changes in our sleep patterns. Seniors need about seven to nine hours or just as much sleep as younger adults. However, seniors tend to sleep more lightly and for shorter periods, resulting in less time in the restorative stages of sleep. These shifts in sleep patterns may become more pronounced during the long summer days, making the season a great time to be proactive about our senior family member's sleep health.
Factors Affecting Senior Sleep During Summer
The arrival of summer brings longer days and fluctuating temperatures, both of which impact seniors' sleep. Extended daylight hours disrupt our body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, making it harder for seniors to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, hot summer temperatures make creating a comfortable sleeping environment challenging, leading to restless nights.
Other seasonal concerns, such as dehydration or heat strokes, may also interrupt sleep patterns. These summer maladies often lead to fatigue or exacerbate existing health conditions, adding another layer of complexity to the sleep problem.
Tips for Family Caretakers
Take a look at some ways to support your senior loved ones during these hot summer months:
- Create a comfortable sleeping environment. Ensuring the bedroom is dark and quiet at bedtime helps signal the body that it's time to sleep. Invest in blackout curtains to manage the extended daylight hours and consider a white noise machine to drown out any potential disruptive noises.
- Maintain a cool bedroom temperature. A temperature between 60-67 degrees promotes better sleep. Use fans or air conditioning units and encourage your senior family member to dress in lightweight sleepwear.
- Practice consistency when it comes to preserving sleep patterns. Encourage your senior loved ones to stick to regular bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends. This consistency can help regulate their body clock and improve the quality of their sleep.
- Address potential health problems that may affect their sleep. You should discuss any significant changes in sleep patterns or ongoing trouble with a healthcare professional. They will help identify any underlying problems affecting sleep and suggest appropriate solutions.
We Can Help
The summer months often bring unique sleep challenges for seniors, but with thoughtful adjustments and a watchful eye on their health, you'll ensure they get the restful sleep they need. Remember, proper sleep is not a luxury but a vital part of their health and well-being.
If you could use some extra help taking care of your senior loved ones in Indianapolis, Carmel, or Brownsburg, don't hesitate to contact us at Senior Helpers Indianapolis. We'd love to tell you about our many services, such as Wellness Watch and Companion Care.