Can Sleep Be Impacted by Foods?
When a senior sleeps well, it directly impacts their overall health, which is crucial for aging in place. There are some changes in sleeping habits as a senior gets older, but the truth is that no matter what, they should still be getting 7-8 hours per night. Personal care at home can help a senior stay on a nightly routine that may help them get to sleep easier or even prepare some tea for your senior before bed. They provide a lot more than companionship. Personal care at home can prepare tea and foods that may help a senior sleep better. Here are some of the foods you need to know about when you want to ensure your senior sleeps better.
Oatmeal and Milk
You may be thinking that oatmeal and milk are breakfast foods, but the truth is that they can help a senior sleep at night. Personal care at home can help a senior prepare this meal. The best thing about oats and milk is that they can be placed in the fridge overnight in case they want to eat them in the morning with some fruit. Complex carbs are great before bed because they’re rich in calcium and magnesium, which can promote better sleep.
Yogurt and walnuts
Yogurt, both Greek and normal, contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is well known for its sedative effects. Tryptophan is metabolized in the body into sleep-inducing chemicals like melatonin. If you sprinkle some walnuts on top of your yogurt, you’ll receive the extra advantage of magnesium, which has been found to reduce sleeplessness in the elderly.
Eat a Salmon Dinner
Salmon and oysters both provide a high-quality protein that has been shown to improve sleep quality. These foods are not just rich in vitamin D, which promotes restful sleep, but also in omega-3, a nutrient that controls the mood-altering chemicals. Quick and wholesome, these salmon foil packets are a breeze to make. If you want your senior to sleep well, consider making a salmon salad for dinner! This is high protein, low fat, and filling without being a heavy meal before bed.
Are There Foods to Avoid for Seniors?
Diet can have a major impact on sleep. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you get the energy you need during the day, while avoiding unhealthy foods and beverages filled with sugars can help you get a better night’s sleep. Eating a nutritious dinner can help you wind down for the night and fall asleep faster. Eating too close to bedtime can cause indigestion and discomfort that can keep you up at night. Something to consider is that if a senior is drinking any liquid right before bed, it can cause them to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
A senior should avoid alcohol right before bed because it disrupts sleep stages and may also have an impact on sleep walking. This can be super dangerous for a senior because they may hurt themselves from sleep walking.
Reference
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/better-sleep-3-simple-diet-tweaks
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.