{"id":7823,"date":"2022-11-14T07:16:41","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T07:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/?p=7823"},"modified":"2023-09-27T13:38:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T13:38:08","slug":"the-10-best-sleep-aids-for-the-elderly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/the-10-best-sleep-aids-for-the-elderly","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Best Sleep Aids for the Elderly"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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It is no secret that our\u00a0<\/span>sleep patterns change with age<\/span>. Older adults often report getting less and less amount of sleep at night. It can lead them to feel tired and groggy throughout the day. In severe cases, sleep disorders can lead to serious health issues. According to a recent study by the University of Maryland,\u00a0<\/span>insomnia-related healthcare costs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0have hit the $100 billion mark.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

So, it is crucial to ensure that your senior loved ones are getting enough sleep. Luckily, there are some sleep aids available to help them with insomnia or other sleep disorders. This blog will explore the ten best sleep aids for the elderly. Read on to learn more!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Why Do Older Adults Have Sleep Problems?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>

According to the\u00a0<\/span>Sleep Foundation\u2019s 2022 survey data<\/a>, about 30 to 48 percent of older adults suffer from various sleep disorders, including insomnia. There are various reasons behind sleep problems in the elderly. Some of them include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

1. Underlying health issues<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

One of the top causes of sleep problems in the elderly is underlying health conditions such as UTIs, heart problems, Alzheimer\u2019s, or sleep apnea. Also,\u00a0<\/span>more than 50% of geriatric patients report sleep difficulties<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

2. Medication side effects<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Sometimes interactions among different medications cause sleep disturbance in the elderly. For example, steroids or other stimulants in certain medications can lead to wakefulness as they are primarily used to boost energy and mood.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

3. Poor sleep hygiene<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Many older adults do not\u00a0maintain proper sleep hygiene<\/a>, which causes sleep problems. Some examples of poor sleep hygiene are, being on their phones close to bedtime, excessive napping during the day, not having a sleep schedule, etc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

4. Aging<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Aging is a natural cause of sleep problems. As we age, the production of melatonin and\u00a0<\/span>growth hormones decreases<\/a>, leading to a reduced amount of deep sleep. Also, the medical conditions that come with aging contribute to sleep disturbance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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When to Try Sleeping Aids?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It is tricky to tell when one should try sleeping aids as everyone’s body and sleep habits are different. However, if you are having trouble sleeping and cannot fall or stay asleep for an extended period, it might be time to try a sleeping aid. It is recommended to take sleeping aids or pills\u00a0<\/span>7 or 8 hours before waking time<\/a>. But it is good to experiment once in a while to see what works best for you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

6 Natural Sleep Aids for the Elderly<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>

It is always better to opt for natural remedies rather than drugs or pills. The same thing applies to sleep remedies as well. So, let\u2019s check out some of the most effective natural sleep aids for the elderly.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

1. Chamomile tea<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Multiple researchers<\/span><\/a>\u00a0have backed Chamomile tea as a safe, natural sleep aid. It may not cure insomnia, but it helps improve the quality of sleep. Apart from that, chamomile has an anti-inflammatory substance that reduces inflammation, bloating, and swelling. It is recommended to take the tea 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

2. Melatonin supplements<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Melatonin is another natural sleep aid for the elderly. As mentioned earlier, with age, our body produces less melatonin hormone, which disrupts our sleep cycle. Melatonin supplements can help regulate the body\u2019s natural sleep rhythm. However, talking to a doctor before starting the supplement is recommended, as excessive\u00a0<\/span>melatonin can lead to various side effects<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3. Kava<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Kava is an herbal sleep remedy made from the roots of kava (Piper methysticum). It relaxes your mind and body and is also effective in reducing anxiety and stress. The best time to drink kava is 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

4. Warm milk<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Warm milk contains tryptophan<\/span><\/a>, a natural sleep aid. When ingested, it is converted into serotonin and melatonin in the brain, which helps to promote sleep. Additionally, warm milk can help to relax the body and create a comfortable environment for sleep.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

5. Lavender<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties. It can be used to help reduce anxiety and stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Lavender oil can be diffused in the air, applied topically, or diluted with a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

6. Exercise<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Yes, you read that right! Exercise can help improve sleep quality for the elderly. Physical activity has been proven to increase the amount of deep sleep and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep. It is likely due to the increased production of melatonin and also because our muscles get tired after working out, leading to feelings of sleepiness. So, it\u2019s good for\u00a0<\/span>seniors to do some light exercises<\/a>\u00a0at night.<\/span><\/p>

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\u00a06 Natural Sleep Aids for the Elderly<\/p><\/div>

Are Natural Sleep Aids Safe?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>

Natural sleep aids typically contain plant-based ingredients like valerian root, melatonin, and chamomile, which can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.\u00a0 So, they are considered safe in general. But there could be some minor side effects too, so before taking any supplement, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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4 Best Sleep Aids for the Elderly on Amazon<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Here are 4 of the most popular sleep aids for the elderly available on Amazon:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

1.\u00a0Homedics 6-in-1 Alarm Clock & White Noise Sound Machine<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h3>

The Alarm Clock & White Noise Sound Machine by Homedics (price: $39.95) is a good purchase from Amazon to help with sleep problems. It has multiple other features, including:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>