Some seniors tend to wake easily, have difficulty falling asleep, and often experience insomnia, making a good night’s sleep seem impossible. However, research suggests exercise can help seniors have more restful nights. After clearing a new physical routine with your loved one’s physician, try the following exercises.
Walking
Many seniors experience disruptions to their natural body clocks, which results in difficulty falling asleep at bedtime. Moderate aerobic exercise combined with exposure to natural light in the morning hours can reset the body’s biological clock, restore a more natural sleeping pattern, and help the body recognize sleep signals in the evening.
Pumping Iron
Seniors who lift weights three times a week experience substantial improvements in sleep. The chemicals released during intense anaerobic exercise relieve stress and anxiety and promote sleepiness several hours later, when the body wants to recover from the exercise. It’s important to lift weights at least three hours before bedtime, or the exercise could actually impair your loved one’s ability to fall asleep. To optimize safety, encourage your loved one to lift weights when you or another caregiver can be present to provide assistance if necessary.
For seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions that make it difficult to exercise safely on their own, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful asset. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Dancing
Many seniors find themselves feeling drowsy shortly after the evening meal and succumb to a late nap. Napping at this time of day disturbs the body clock and can make it impossible to get restful sleep at night. Avoid this pattern by scheduling a social activity that involves light exercise for about an hour after dinner. A great choice is dancing, which can also increase coordination, balance, and muscle memory.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a great way to ensure your loved one remains active and healthy. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Montgomery, AL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Stretching
Performing a short stretching routine right before bedtime promotes better sleep. A simple yoga routine or just some gentle slow stretches can ease sore muscles and relax the mind, helping seniors fall and stay asleep.
These strategies can help your loved one sleep better, which can definitely enhance his or her overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Montgomery, AL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (334) 593-3988.