Daylight Savings Time starts on March 13th and the change in time can really be tough on seniors. When Daylight Savings Time occurs clocks are moved forward one hour, which means that everyone who lives in states where Daylight Savings Time is practiced will lose one hour of sleep. This loss can be physically and emotionally tough on people, especially seniors. In fact, the stress that the switch to Daylight Savings Time puts on the body and the brain is why some states have ended the switch to Daylight Savings Time and more states are considering ending it. Some things that senior caregivers and personal care at home providers should know about Daylight Savings Time are:
Start Shifting Your Senior’s Sleep Schedule Ahead of Time
Personal Care at Home Boca Raton FL – How to Help Seniors with Daylight Savings TimeA sudden change in sleep schedule is very disruptive to everyone, but you can make it easier for your senior loved one if you start shifting their sleep schedule before the day when the clock goes forward. Start by getting your senior loved one up 15 minutes earlier than usual and having them go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual. Do that for a day or two then add on another 15 minutes.
Keep doing that every few days until your senior loved one is going to bed an hour early and getting up an hour early. That way when the clocks do switch they will be in sync with the new time. If your senior loved one has a personal care at home provider they should know about your plan and be on board helping to change your senior loved one’s sleep schedule so make sure that you mention it or leave a note.
Be Patient and Seek out Personal Care at Home Services
Your senior loved one may be very cranky at first because of all the changes that occur physically and mentally as a result of sleep deprivation and stress. You may be cranky yourself because of those changes. But try to be as patient as you can be with your senior loved one. It’s no one’s fault that DST can wreak havoc on the mental and physical wellness of seniors but it does happen and everyone has to deal with. If you find that you’re getting frustrated and you need a break, get a personal care at home provider to come in and give you a break.
Exercise Will Help Seniors Get Tired Earlier
A sure-fire way to help seniors make the transition to Daylight Savings Time is to motivate them to get more exercise. Exercise is a fantastic way to help seniors get tired enough to reset their internal clock. Just make sure that they are not exercising within two to three hours of when they want to go to bed. Exercising early in the day or immediately after dinner can give seniors enough time before bed to get tired.
Make The Bedroom as Dark as Possible
It will start being brighter outside for a longer period of time at night, which can make it difficult for seniors to sleep. Put up some light blocking thermal curtains or get your senior loved one a sleeping masks that blocks out all time. A sleeping mask can do a great job making it possible for your senior loved one to go to sleep earlier by blocking out all that extra light.
Source: https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2020/daylight-saving.html
If you or a family member are in need of hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Boca Raton FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach and Tamarac.
- Tips That Can Help Seniors With Psoriasis - November 12, 2024
- Benefits of Customized Health Plans for Seniors Aging in Place - November 4, 2024
- Easy Ways to Make Thanksgiving Comfortable for Seniors - October 28, 2024
