Great Care knows the importance of sleep. Not only must caregivers make sure they’re receiving enough of it as they take on new responsibilities. But they also must ensure the loved ones they care for maintain proper sleep hygiene.

“Caregivers can help by guiding older adults to maintain a regular sleep schedule; getting lots of light during the day, keeping the sleep environment dark, and encouraging exercise such as walks. If you suspect more serious sleep problems, talk to your family doctor,” says the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).

As seniors age, falling asleep tends to become more troublesome, according to the NSF. And staying asleep longer is more difficult for seniors than in their younger days.

“Older people may also become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning compared to younger adults,” the NSF says.
The Foundation defines this pattern as advanced sleep phase syndrome.

“Older people get the same 7 to 8 hours of sleep, but they wake early because they have gone to bed early,” the NSF notes. “And elderly patients tend to use more prescription and over-the-counter medications than other age groups in the population.”

Every caregiving situation is different, too, says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan.

“Families can consult with caregivers to customize a sleep routine that best fits the individual,” she says. “We take into account a senior’s age, overall health, medical diagnosis, physical mobility and activity thresholds, medication schedules and more.”

Sullivan also stresses the importance of sleep for caregivers as they grow accustom to the lifestyle of caring for loved ones. Great Care can provide respite care for those family members and caregivers feeling overworked and exhausted or overwhelmed. Caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients can be especially taxing on sleep hygiene since their patterns and routines can be opposite from or different than a caregiver’s.

“Caregivers often find themselves exhausted at the end of the day, but many are still not able to sleep. Varying studies have documented that approximately 70% of caregivers for people with dementia report sleep problems, 60% report sleeping less than 7 hours, and 10-20% use alcohol to go to sleep and/or sleep medication,” says the National Center on Caregiving, in the Family Caregiver Alliance online resource, “Seeking That Elusive Good Night Sleep.”

“In data collected by the California Caregiver Resource Centers, 41% of caregivers said they are awakened during the night by the care receiver. These same caregivers also scored higher on the depression screening,” the NCC says.

The Family Caregiver Alliance suggests these resources for better sleep for caregivers:

• “Your Guide to Healthy Sleep,” downloaded from The National Institutes of Health website, or by writing to National Institutes of Health (NIH), 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892

• The National Sleep Foundation

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine

• National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.