Natural Remedies Used to Promote Sleep

Home Care – Learn What Can Help and What To Avoid to Help Your Aging Loved One Get a Good Nights Sleep!

Insomnia is the main complaint among people today, as many have hectic schedules and demanding occupations. Insomnia caused from stressful events, such as work deadlines, and family obligations, can easily benefit from natural remedies. Natural remedies are the best alternative for eliminating side effects associated with sleep aids, such as the morning drowsiness following taking a sleep aid the night before. If your senior parent hasn’t been sleeping well lately, you should look into some natural remedies for him or her.

Types of Natural Sleep Aids

Herbal natural sleep aids, in the form of a tea. The most popular form of herbal tea is chamomile, which may come in a blend containing a citrus flavor. Chamomile teas are easily purchased at a local grocery store, or on-line depending on personal preference.

Natural sleep aid supplements include:

·        Melatonin

·        Kava

·        Valerian root

·        Tryptophan

When using natural sleep aid supplements it is important to know what medications have interactions with the ingredients, for example, melatonin is not recommended for people taking antidepressants as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the antidepressant. People taking certain blood pressure medications should not use melatonin, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoiding caffeine several hours before bedtime is necessary for those suffering from insomnia. Drinks containing caffeine include coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, hot chocolate, and energy drinks. Foods made with chocolate contain caffeine as well, including chocolate puddings, cakes, pies, brownies, chocolate ice cream, and cookies containing chocolate chips.

Getting to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning will assist those suffering from insomnia. Form a schedule and stick to it, in order to get to bed at night. Setting an alarm clock, to alarm at the same time every morning: even on the weekend in order to form the habit of a routine sleep wake cycle. Home care services can help by having a caregiver encourage your parent to go to bed on time and keeping good habits.

Arrange bedrooms for sleeping only, by removing computers, televisions, and cell phones from the bedroom, as distractions can prevent or delay sleep. Appropriate temperature for bedrooms is also important, as some will lose sleep from sleeping in rooms that are either too hot or cold. When adjusting temperature, consider personal preferences, as some may prefer a cooler bedroom than others may. Talk to your parent about their ideal sleeping conditions, and relay the information to their caregiver. You can make a huge difference in their sleeping schedule by paying attention to their individual needs, since everyone sleeps a little differently.

 

If you have an aging loved one and are considering home care services, contact Interim HealthCare today. G+