When Napping is a Good Idea

Napping is often something we think of when we think about babies or toddlers. As caregivers, we understand the importance of helping an infant take her regular nap or encouraging a toddler to take time out from all the fun to nap for a while. Napping is restorative and can help make the rest of the day go better, and when done properly, it can also help a child sleep better at night.

The same is true for many older adults. A good napping plan can be a way to stay healthy and provides many health benefits.

Health Benefits of Napping for Seniors

It boosts brain function.

Grogginess or feeling exhausted can make it difficult to make decisions or follow instructions. Many seniors struggle with getting a good night’s sleep due to disrupted sleep. A short nap during the day can help them reset their body and their brain to function better throughout the day.

It boosts mood.

Being tired can also make a person short-tempered or overly emotional. A sleep-deprived person can easily become more overstimulated. It can also help relieve stress that has built up during the day.

It boosts energy.

A short nap can be just what is needed to have the energy to complete a longer task that is coming up, such as doing some thorough housecleaning or going out with friends, which may keep your loved one up later than normal.

When Napping Isn’t Beneficial

While a short nap can be great for your elderly loved one (and maybe you as well, dear, tired caregiver), longer naps often have just the opposite effect. Naps that last longer than 45 minutes can make a person more groggy, less astute, and reduce energy afterward.

Napping can also interfere with sleep patterns if taken too late in the day, so keeping naps to late mornings or early afternoons is best so that it replenishes your loved one, but doesn’t make it difficult to fall asleep at night.

Finally, napping isn’t a good habit to have when it’s used in unhealthy ways, such as escaping negative feelings or as a way to combat boredom. In those cases, there are better ways to manage emotions that are tough to deal with or feeling bored.

Preparing for the Perfect Nap

Another important thing about napping is that they are most beneficial when they are planned. Falling asleep while watching the latest episode of Jeopardy is not an ideal way to nap. In addition to possible waking up sore or with a kink in the neck, that type of napping is usually due to exhaustion or poor nighttime sleep habits.

Here are four steps to take for beneficial naps.

• Prepare the room ahead of time. Have your loved one’s companion care at home provider help her prepare her room for a nap by reducing noise and light, and making it a comfortable temperature.
• Pick the right time of day – early afternoon is often best.
• Set a timer. If your loved one is worried about sleeping too long, companion care at home providers can let her know when it’s time to get up or set an alarm for her.
• Don’t use it to pass the time. If your loved one is bored, have her engage in activities with a companion care at home provider to see if it’s just boredom that’s making her feel sleepy.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Concord, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132