Caregiver Tip 9 – Get A Good Night Sleep-Naturally
Caregiver Tip 9 focuses on how to get a good night sleep, naturally. I think most people know it is important to get a good night sleep. And for some people, it is easier said than done.
While you don’t have to be a caregiver to experience problems sleeping, caregivers certainly have their fair share of worries to keep them awake at night.From the finances to health issues, to a feeling of being trapped in your situation, caregivers worry a lot. Furthermore, making decisions for an aging parent or spouse can be heart wrenching. We often worry about the choices we have to make. Was it the best choice? Could I have done better? What if mom isn’t happy? All of this noise in our head is keeping us up at night and we know it’s not good.
Without the right amount of sleep,
you move through your day tired and yawning. Productive? Hardly. Chances are you are frustrated because it seems you can never get everything accomplished that needs to be done. If you are having trouble sleeping night after night trust me your productivity is way down. And if you are a caregiver who is also holding down a job this is going to show in the work you do and could have consequences.
At least two-thirds of adults say that sleepiness interferes with their concentration (68%) and makes handling stress (66%) more difficult. Many caregivers report memory and concentration issues and worry if dementia may be in their near future.
Let’s face it- the truth is you are just not operating at your optimum level if you are sleep deprived.
So what do you do if you are often having trouble sleeping?
Caregiver Tip 9 gives you 4 steps to help you get a better night sleep.
- You have to get a handle on your stress. This is crucial! That means during the day every day you must practice stress management techniques. You must practice these like your life depended on it because it does. Read Get A Handle on Caregiver Stress
- Educate yourself about options that are available. One of the biggest causes of stress is a feeling of not being in control. This is huge for caregivers. So much does feel out of your control. Learn what you can control and where you can get the help you need. Having a plan and a strategy will take a huge load off your shoulders allowing you to get that much-needed sleep. Contact an Elder Care Advisor to learn about your options.
- Making sure your bedroom is cool enough and free of clutter, block out as much light and noise as you can also as this will interrupt your sleep pattern . If you need to get a sleep mask and/or ear plugs. According to WebMD, Experts agree on the temperature of your sleeping area and how comfortable you feel in it affect how well and how long you snooze. Lights from the tv, digital clock, a nightlight or even streetlights filtering in through your blinds can all affect your circadian rhythms. This can throw your internal clock off and keep you from getting the rest you need.
- Prepare for sleep. That means no TV or internet at least one hour before bedtime. No, you cannot look at your smart phone either. LOL, It is a mini computer. Trust me, you won’t miss anything important. Wind down with a relaxing soak in a warm tub, a cup of chamomile tea or a chat with an upbeat friend. Write down 5 things that you are grateful for that day. If it has been a particularly challenging day look back at another day to remind yourself of the good things in your life.
In conclusion, the key is- Take care of yourself, after all, who will care for your loved one if you are not around.
Also Read:
Caregiver Tip #13- Kill the Ants
10 Instant Relaxation Tips for Caregivers
Author- Kathryn Watson
Like many today Kathryn Watson was thrust into the world of Eldercare with little knowledge or understanding of the industry. The challenges she overcame led her to write Help! My Parents Are Aging and Help! I Can’t Do This Alone and to create a web directory for Houston families. Find Houston Senior Care offers both resources and information to help you navigate the elder care world. Need A Speaker?