Hot Weather Sleeping Tips For Seniors

During the summer, your senior mom or dad may have more trouble sleeping than usual. When the weather is hot and humid, sleeping is always difficult. If your senior parent uses medical equipment at night, like a CPAP or supplemental oxygen, they may need home care assistance to help them sleep better.

With home care assistance, someone will be there to ensure that your senior parent’s medical equipment functions correctly throughout the night. Home care assistance can also help your senior battle the summer evening heat so they can sleep.

Some great things seniors can do at home to sleep better when it’s hot are:

 

Use Air Conditioning

Keep the bedroom air-conditioned if possible to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature. Set the thermostat to a comfortable setting, typically between 60-67°F (15-19°C). If your senior mom or dad doesn’t like to use the air conditioning because they don’t like having a high energy bill, remind them that their quality of sleep is the most important thing. Then turn the air on.

 

Install a Ceiling Fan or Use Portable Fans

A ceiling fan or portable fan can help circulate air and create a cooling breeze. Position fans to blow across the bed or place them near open windows to bring in cooler night air. Just ensure the fan isn’t blowing directly in your senior mom or dad’s face, as that can be uncomfortable and make breathing harder for them.

 

Choose Breathable Bedding:

It’s time to break out the summer bedding. The best summer bedding is lightweight, breathable bedding made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials allow better air circulation and wick away moisture. Cotton or linen sheets and blankets are the best choice for summer comfort.

 

Use a Cooling Mattress Pad or Pillow

Cooling mattress pads and pillows are designed to dissipate heat and help regulate body temperature. Look for products with cooling gel or breathable materials. These mats and pillows can be a wonderful way to keep your senior mom or dad comfortable all summer, even on the hottest nights.

Since changing bed linens and sheets can be strenuous, getting home care assistance for a loved one can help with this kind of household chore.

 

Try A Popsicle Before Bed

Eating a cold popsicle before bed or some protein-rich frozen Greek yogurt can help your senior parent cool their body temperature because they try to sleep for the night. It’s easy to make popsicles at home with fruit juice and plastic popsicle makers.

Home care assistance caregivers can help aging seniors grocery shopping for healthy, tasty snacks.

 

Take a Cool Shower Before Bed

A cool shower or bath before bed can lower body temperature and help your senior parent feel more comfortable. This can make it easier to fall asleep in hot weather, especially after a long, hot day in the sun. Home care assistance can help aging seniors with bathing and other daily activities.

 

Block Out Heat with Blackout Curtains

Use blackout curtains or shades to block out sunlight and heat during the day. This helps keep the bedroom cooler as the evening approaches.

 

Keep Windows Open at Night

If it’s cooler outside at night, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Use window fans to draw in cool air and expel warm air from the room. Keeping the windows open at night can also reduce the home’s humidity, making it feel cooler.

 

Sleep in Lightweight, Loose Clothing

Make sure your senior parent has lightweight, loose-fitting pajamas made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid heavy, tight-fitting clothing that can trap heat.

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance in Springfield, VA, please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484