Seniors and Sleep Problems

Donna Nichols • August 11, 2023
An elderly man is sitting at a table with an alarm clock.

Our sleep patterns change as we age, and seniors have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. When your older adult must get up in the middle of the night, you may have to get out of bed as well to ensure they don’t fall while going to the restroom or try to go outside. This causes a disruption in your sleep as well.


Here are some of the most common reasons for senior sleep problems:


  • Side effects from medications
  • Needing to urinate more frequently
  • Irregular sleep/wake schedule
  • Daytime napping
  • Discomfort from medical conditions
  • Too much time in bed


To improve their sleep, you may need to try some different solutions. Just make sure you implement them one at a time with enough time to adjust to the change, so you know which ones work and which ones don’t.


First, write down when they fall sleep and every time they wake up for about a week to see the sleep pattern. Ask their doctor about their medications and see if the dosages can be increased or decreased. Ask if disrupted sleep could be due to pain from a medical condition and if a light pain reliever at bedtime would help them sleep better.


Limit their caffeine intake, especially during the afternoon and evening. If they like to drink tea, try to switch it to decaf. Also limit the amount of water they drink close to bedtime and make sure they try to use the restroom before retiring for the night. If it seems like they wake up because they are concerned about having an accident, suggest wearing adult diapers to bed just in case.


Keep your loved one on a regular schedule; going to bed and waking up at the same time. Limit the amount and length of naps they take; try not to let them nap in the afternoon. I know most seniors like to watch the 10 or 11 o’clock news but doing this can leave their mind racing and they will never fall asleep. Try to play some calming music or some other type of calming method prior to bedtime.


Make comfort a priority! Ensure their mattress is supportive and comfortable. Make sure they have enough blankets to keep them warm; seniors tend to be colder than we are so please keep that in mind when setting the air conditioner temperature. If it seems they are scared at night, try getting them a stuffed animal to sleep with; holding the animal may help them feel more secure and not alone. If they are having difficulty due to pain, try using pillows to prop under them and ease the pressure on the sore area(s).


Sleep is so important for everyone, and we need to ensure our loved one gets enough. If they sleep through the night, we should sleep through the night as well. Try the different techniques if they are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and keep a journal to see what works and what doesn’t.


A man and a woman are sleeping in a bed.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.