Caregiver in Natomas CA
A common problem for people who care for an elderly loved one is lack of sleep. If you’re a family caregiver who is experiencing fatigue, try some of these ideas to get the sleep that you so desperately need.
Talk to Your Doctor
When you first realize that you’re dealing with fatigue rather than a night or two of bad sleep, it’s time to talk to your doctor. He can rule out medical conditions that can be contributing to your lack of sleep. If medication is in order, he can start you on it as soon as possible.
Start an Exercise Plan
One of the solutions your doctor may recommend before medication is a program of daily exercise. It’s important to talk to your doctor about exercise before starting a new plan, especially if you’ve not already been exercising. That way if there are any special considerations you need to keep in mind, you’re aware of them.
Revamp Your Daily Routine
Take a good, long look at your daily routine. Are you getting up at random times of day and going to bed at equally random times? If you’re napping, you could be doing more harm than good. It’s time to look at your existing routine and make sure that you’re getting up and going to bed at around the same time every day. This helps your body to get into a rhythm that works.
Journal Your Worries
If worries and concerns about your elderly loved one or even other aspects of your life are torturing you when you’re trying to sleep, you may benefit from getting them out of your head. A journal is the perfect outlet for this because you don’t have to worry about what to say or how to say it. Journal what’s bothering you and then you can destroy it or tuck it away in a safe place.
Practice Relaxation Techniques before Bed
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even listening to calming music can all help you to fall asleep more easily. Avoid television or anything that gets you excited or amped up because that can contribute to your sleep problems. You may have to try something more than a few times to get the benefits you’re looking for, so don’t give up too soon.
Try Some Old Wives’ Remedies
Old wives’ remedies are called that because they’ve worked for other people and been handed down from one generation to another. Ideas like taking a soothing bath or drinking warm milk could be just what you need to add to your routine.
You may need to try a variety of different techniques to keep yourself from getting fatigued.