If you have noticed that your senior parent who has Alzheimer’s is having a very difficult time sleeping, their sleep issues could be caused by Alzheimer’s. One of the many ways that Alzheimer’s can impact seniors is by changing their circadian rhythm. If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s and they’re living at home, they should have Alzheimer’s home care.
Your mom or dad may become confused and not know if it’s night or day. So, they may be awake all night and tired during the day. Or, they may wake up often during the night thinking that it’s time for breakfast, or time to go to work, or time to do other daytime activities that they used to do.
Alzheimer’s home care is specialized care that can meet the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s so that they can continue living where they want to live. And the providers of Alzheimer’s home care have experience and training that helps them address problems like sleep issues caused by Alzheimer’s.
Some of the most often recommended ways to help a senior parent who is experiencing disrupted sleep because of Alzheimer’s are:
Create a Calm and Comfortable Sleep Environment
A relaxing bedroom can make it easier for your parent to fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep their room dark, quiet, and cool, as a comfortable temperature helps promote better sleep.
If total darkness makes them feel disoriented, use a soft nightlight to provide gentle lighting. White noise machines or calming music can also help block out distracting sounds. Make sure their mattress and pillows are comfortable and that they have blankets that are warm but not too heavy.
Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule
A daily routine is important for people with Alzheimer’s. Try to have your parent go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps their body get used to a consistent sleep pattern.
Avoid naps that are too long, especially in the afternoon, as this can make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.
Encourage Light Physical Activity During the Day
Exercise can help improve sleep, but it’s important to keep it gentle and safe. Taking a short walk outside, stretching, or doing simple chair exercises can help your parent feel more tired at bedtime.
Spending time in natural sunlight during the day also helps regulate their internal clock, making it easier for them to sleep at night. Just make sure they don’t exercise too close to bedtime, as this can make them more alert and delay sleep.
Limit Stimulants Like Caffeine and Sugar
Caffeine and sugar can make it harder for your parent to relax and fall asleep. Try to limit coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugary snacks, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Instead, offer them calming herbal tea or warm milk before bed, which can help signal to their body that it’s time to sleep. Also, avoid large or heavy meals too close to bedtime, as digestion problems can keep them awake.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in McLean, VA, please contact the caring staff at Cardinal Home Care today! (703) 934-4610
Cardinal Home Care provides exceptional home care services in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax, Virginia, and the surrounding communities.
Cardinal Home Care launched in 2019, with the purpose of providing quality non-medical home care to seniors wishing to remain in the comfort of their homes.
Cardinal Home Care provides exceptional home care services in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax Virginia and the surrounding communities.
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