What Can I Do About My Own Disturbed Sleep?

Here are some tips that other people have found helpful for not getting enough sleep:

 

• Establish a sleep routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time.

• Schedule your sleep schedule around your loved one’s sleep schedule, if possible. If they take a nap during the day, take a short nap at the same time.

• Use your bed for sleeping only.

• Maintain a quiet, comfortable and consistent bedroom temperature.

• Do not eat heavy or large meals or do strenuous activity closer than four hours before going to bed.

• If you are hungry, try snacks at bedtime with warm milk.

• Try a radio, fan, or mood music to filter out noises (e.g., nature sounds, ocean, etc.).

• Get some form of exercise every day, such as walking.

• If sleep medications are prescribed, follow directions carefully.

• Try taking a warm bath an hour before going to bed.

• Try to deal with problems or worries during the day, before going to bed.

• Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks after 3 p.m., such as soft drinks, hot cocoa, tea or coffee.

• Practice relaxation, meditation, or guided imagery.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Avoid tobacco products altogether. Nicotine is a stimulant.

• If you can find someone to give you a backrub or foot massage to relax, go for it.

Here are some tips for sleeping too much (more than 12 hours per day):

• Get some exercise every day, such as walking.

• Reduce or eliminate caffeinated beverages.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Go to bed at the same time each night.

• Use distraction (hobbies or other activities that take your mind off caregiving) to avoid boredom.

• Set your alarm to get up at the same time every morning, caregiving permitting.

• Avoid sweets and foods high in sugar.

• Avoid foods high in tryptophan.

• Avoid dairy products.