If you’re not sleeping well it’s likely difficult for you to get through the demands of your day as a caregiver. Troubleshooting your sleeping problems can fix a host of other problems for you, too.
Let Go of Worrying, if Possible
It isn’t always easy to let go of worrying, but if you want to get better sleep then worrying is not going to help you. Being a caregiver means that you have a lot to worry about, though. One way around that is to try writing down everything that’s worrying you before you go to bed. Once it’s out of your head, you may find that it’s easier for you to drop off to sleep.
Establish a Bedtime Routine that Relaxes You
The reason that parents use a bedtime routine for young kids is that it works. It cues the child in to the fact that the day is winding down and that sleep is imminent. You’re not a child, of course, but you can still benefit from a bedtime routine. Find a series of activities that help you to relax and to unwind so that by the time you turn off the light, your body is ready to head off to sleep.
A Wakeup Routine Is Just as Important
As important as bedtime routines are, wakeup routines can do just as much for you. They clue your brain into the idea that it’s time to get going for the day. And the cleaner your wakeup routine is, the better you’ll ease into your day. That gives you a good foundation for the rest of your day.
Check Your Sleeping Environment
If your bedroom isn’t set up for you to be able to sleep well, then you’re fighting a losing battle every night. A slightly cool bedroom with very little light is going to be much easier to fall asleep in than one that’s too warm or has a lot of light filtering in. Take a look at what your bedroom is like now and see what kinds of changes you can make.
Talk to your Doctor
When you’ve taken all of these steps and more and you still aren’t getting the sleep that you need, it’s time to talk to your own doctor. There may be underlying health issues that are keeping you from getting the sleep that you need. Finding out exactly what’s going on is key to getting you back to getting solid rest every night.
Getting better sleep is going to help every aspect of your life, of course, but it’s also going to help make caregiving easier on you.
