At Hilgay Care Home, we understand the importance of sleep for elderly people both in and out of care homes. Therefore, we make sure that it is a vital aspect of the care we provide. Regardles of our age, sleep is incredibly important. In today’s article, we will discuss the importance of sleep as well as a few tips to help elderly people and care home residents maximise their rest. All of this contributes toward making life in a care home a whole lot easier.
The Importance of Sleep
The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep is vital for physical and mental health. It helps our bodies to heal and repair gives us energy and supports our immune system. When we don’t get enough sleep, we are more likely to suffer from health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. We are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression and mood swings. As we age, sleep becomes even more important, as our bodies become less able to heal and repair themselves. This is why it is so important for elderly people and care home residents to get enough sleep.
Top Tips to Maximise Sleep
Have a Routine
Creating a good sleeping routine is essential for getting a good night’s sleep. Going to bed at the same time every night will get you into a consistent routine, whilst creating good sleep habits. Whilst some may recommend that you go to sleep early, it is important to ensure that you are tired, so do not have a routine of going to bed too early as it will cause you to sleep less deeply and likely wake up early, causing you to be tired the next day. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool and avoid using electronic devices in bed. If you struggle to fall asleep, try to relax before bedtime by reading or listening to calming music.
Create a Relaxing Environment
The environment we sleep in can have a huge impact on how well we rest. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool and avoid using electronic devices in bed. Try to relax before bedtime by reading or listening to calming music. If possible, use aromatherapy oils such as lavender or chamomile, which are known for their relaxing properties.
Get Enough Exercise
Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it’s also great for our mental health. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and vice versa. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood-boosters. A lack of exercise can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, so it’s important to make time for exercise even when you’re feeling tired. When we release endorphins and energy, we naturally sleep better as we are calmer and our bodies are ready to rest. At Hilgay Care Home, we organise regular activities to provide physical and mental stimulation for our residents. Not only does this make life in a care home more enjoyable, but helps our residents to sleep well.
Let Light Regulate Your Pattern
Naturally, we have more energy during daylight than we do during the night. This is because our body’s natural rhythm is regulated by light. The sun sends a message to our brain telling us to be awake, and when it gets dark, our brain tells us it’s time to sleep. This is known as our circadian rhythm. This is why it is important for elderly people and care home residents to get plenty of exposure to natural light during the day. Try to go outside for a walk or sit in a sunny room. If you are unable to get outside, try to open the curtains and let as much natural light in as possible.
If possible, let light wake you up in the morning. You could do this by leaving your curtains open, or investing in a ‘dawn simulator’ alarm clock, which wakes you through light rather than an abrupt noise. This is a more natural and gentle way to wake up. However, if you tend to be able to sleep during the morning regardless of the light, a traditional alarm clock might be best to stay in a routine.
Healthy Diet
What we eat and drink can have a big impact on our sleep. Caffeine, alcohol, sugar and nicotine are all stimulants that can keep us awake at night. It is best to avoid these substances in the evening if you want to get a good night’s sleep. Eating a light evening meal can also help, as a heavy meal can cause indigestion and make it difficult to sleep. Try to avoid eating too many spicy or fatty foods, as these can also lead to indigestion. As part of life in a care home, we ensure that our residents receive a nutritious and healthy diet to help them stay healthy and sleep well.
Controlling Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety can have a big impact on our sleep. If we are worrying about something, it can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is important to try to relax before bedtime by reading or listening to calming music. If possible, use aromatherapy oils such as lavender or chamomile, which are known for their relaxing properties. If you’re struggling to cope with stress or anxiety, speak to your GP, who may be able to refer you for counselling or therapy. At Hilgay Care Home, we make sure that we create a comfortable and calm environment to make life in a care home enjoyable and relaxing for residents. Therefore, helping them with their sleep.
Associate Bed with Sleep
It is important to only use your bed for sleep. This means that your brain will start to associate your bed with sleep, making it easier to fall asleep when you get into bed. It is important to avoid spending too much time in bed when for things other than sleep. It is easy to relax in bed during the day, however, this can impact your ability to relax properly when it’s time to sleep. At Hilgay Care Home, we ensure that residents can, get out of bed and only use it for sleeping. We believe that this makes life in a care home far more comfortable and enjoyable as residents only associate their bed with sleeping and therefore sleep properly when the time comes.
Contact Us
At Hilgay Care Home, we understand the importance of sleep. Sleep is an important part of life in a care home and we make sure that every resident gets enough sleep to ensure they can remain energised and healthy. We believe that sleep is an important aspect of making life in a care home more enjoyable for each resident as they can approach each day with the energy they need. If you would like to learn more about life in a care home or any of our residential or respite services, explore our website or contact us today on 01444 244756 or info@hilgaycarehome.co.uk.
Article: Phoenix Marketing