Four Ways to Ensure You’re Ready for Sleep

Sleep is absolutely crucial if you’re going to keep functioning in your role as a family caregiver. When you don’t get enough sleep, your mood suffers and you’re more likely to make mistakes that can really add up. Getting the rest that you need is easier if you’re following some of these tips on a regular basis. 

Reinforce a Routine for Getting to Sleep

Caregiver Glenwood, MN: Seniors and Sleep

When you’ve got a solid routine for heading off to bed to go to sleep, you’re going to help your brain and your body to wind down at the same time. Your routine doesn’t have to be complicated at all, but it should support your needs and be what you need. If your routine is feeling too rushed or too complex, you might need to pare it down to essential items and go from there. 

Practice Mindfulness Before Bed 

Mindfulness is a way for you to pay close attention to only what’s going on right in front of you. When you’re engaged in mindfulness, you’re not thinking about what’s going to happen tomorrow or what happened yesterday. You’re focused instead on what is happening right now, in that moment. That allows you to remain present. 

Figure out What Relaxes You 

Every caregiver is different and what you find relaxing might be reading before bed or listening to music as you fall asleep. Other people might prefer something like a soak in the tub before heading off to bed. Whatever it is that you find relaxing, it’s important to give yourself the time and the space to have that experience as often as you can. 

Avoid Screens 

Screens, particularly phone and tablet screens, don’t do you any favors when you’re trying to get some shuteye, either. Using a blue light filter can help, a little bit, but screen time still keeps your brain going and that’s what you want to avoid when you’re trying to get a solid night of sleep. Avoiding screens for about an hour before bed gives your brain a chance to slow down and to start producing melatonin and other brain chemicals that help you fall asleep easier. 

Planning is part of what you do to solve problems when you’re a caregiver, but you need to be planning for yourself, too. Having a plan for improving your own sleep ensures that you’re able to face each day’s challenges as prepared as you can be. 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Caregiver in Glenwood, MN please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350