Senior Care in Tamarac, FL – Fighting Insomnia
Although seniors require more sleep as they get older, many don’t get adequate rest. As many as 44 percent of seniors struggle with symptoms of insomnia, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep improves health and increases energy, so when seniors fail to get a good night’s rest on a regular basis, they face an increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive disorders. If you are a senior home care service provider caring for a client who doesn’t seem to sleep well, there are some ways to fight insomnia. The following foods may help your client sleep better:
Warm Drinks
Warm drinks are soothing when you can’t sleep at night, which is why your mother probably recommended that you drink a warm glass of milk when you had trouble sleeping as a child. Add some honey for a delectable nighttime treat. Herbal teas may also be helpful. Try one flavored with peppermint or chamomile. Just make sure they are decaffeinated – even the smallest dose of caffeine can keep your client up all night. If coffee consumption appears to be an issue, encourage the patient to cut back and see what happens. You may also suggest changing to decaffeinated coffee.
Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates contain tryptophan, that infamous sleep-inducing ingredient found in Thanksgiving turkey. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is converted into melatonin and serotonin. To help your patient fall asleep, try feeding him or her foods such as sweet potatoes, popcorn or cereal. Oatmeal is also a great choice because it is rich in vitamins such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
Fruits
Potassium and magnesium calm the nervous system and relax muscles. Many fruits contain these two sleep-promoting vitamins. Bananas also contain tryptophan, making them an excellent choice for those who are sleep-deprived. Apples, peaches and cherries are also good choices.
Lean Protein
Lean proteins are also good choices because they also contain tryptophan. However, it’s important not to go overboard. Just a little bit is all you need. Try a few servings of cheese and crackers, a scoop of peanut butter or an egg on toast.
Good Fats
This may seem surprising, but the key phrase here is to choose heart-healthy fats. Nuts are a good choice because they boost serotonin levels and are chock full of vitamins such as magnesium, which helps relax muscles. Just steer clear of trans fats and saturated fats, which can have the opposite effect.
If you or a family member near Tamarac, FL are in need of senior care services, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.
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