Aging and Sleep

Aging and sleep can be a frustrating issue for both your parents and you.

As people age, they get less and less deep restorative sleep. They may get up frequently through the night or they may have difficulty getting to sleep. Lack of sleep can even result in feeling a little confused and ÒfoggyÓ.

Some strategies to help your aging parents

• Drink hot water with lemon or warm milk before going to bed
• Exercise and get fresh air during the day
• Get up and go to bed at the same time everyday
• Do not drink caffeinated drinks in the evening
• Do not take naps during the day
• Take a bath, read or listen to music before going to bed

Medications can also affect sleep

Check with your parents doctor if this is one of the side effects of their medication. Medications have different side effects and it may be worth asking the doctor to change the prescription to a different drug as it may have less impact on your parents sleeping pattern.