As a caregiver you might feel as if there’s never enough sleep for you to feel rested. That’s a valid feeling, but you don’t have to just give up. You can start to get the sleep you need again but you will need to focus on some details.
Your Body Uses Sleep to Repair Damage
Sleep is when your body does what it can to repair damage that happens during the day. It also rebalances hormone levels and corrects other issues as it can. When you’re not sleeping well, or at all, your body can’t do those things. It’s like leaving your computer on for too long and then encountering problems with the operating system. You have to reboot your system now and again.
Lack of Sleep Is as Bad as Drinking
When you’re not sleeping well, your brain isn’t able to function as well as it needs to function. In fact, some studies have proven that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. What that means for you is that sleep deprivation is just as impairing as other decisions can be. But simply getting enough sleep is key to keeping yourself from dealing with these sorts of issues, so it’s worth it to work through what’s keeping you from sleeping.
Sleep Problems Can Be Corrected
The bottom line is that the majority of sleep problems can be corrected. You have to be willing to look at what’s causing them, though. A sleep journal can help you to look deeper at the routines you have around sleep, but don’t ignore other possible causes, too. What you eat and drink as well as when you eat and drink can make a huge difference in your ability to get the sleep you need.
Sleep Can Help Manage Chronic Health Issues of Your Own
Health and sleep are inextricably entwined. Your health issues can keep you from sleeping and lack of sleep can make your chronic health issues worse. Get back to the basics of managing your chronic health issues. Whatever you need to be doing that you’re ignoring, start paying attention to those details again.
If you’re still having trouble solving your sleep issues on your own, don’t wait for them to get worse. Get in touch with your doctor right now and find out if there’s something else going on. It might seem inconvenient, but dealing with your sleep concerns now can help you to continue to be a caregiver later.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Caregiver Services in Altamonte Springs FL, please contact the caring staff at Flourish in Place Home Care Solutions today. Proudly serving Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard Counties. Call 407-845-9797.
