Chapter 3: Sleep disturbances
Getting quality “zzz”
I didn’t sleep more after I started counselling sessions – I couldn’t because Deanne needed me at night. But I do believe what little sleep I got was better quality – deeper and more restful.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about any sleep difficulties, either yours or those of the person you are caring for. Try to be as specific as possible about:
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How much sleep you are actually getting each night
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How often you are up in the night providing care, and the reasons
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How much you rest during the day
Together, you and the healthcare provider can explore ways to promote sleep and rest. Click the switch button for suggestions to help with both caregiver and care recipient sleep.
It may help to talk to someone. A doctor, nurse, hospice volunteer, social worker, spiritual care provider, counsellor, or other professional may help you find ways to reduce your worries. They can also connect you with services and supports.
It may help to talk to someone. A doctor, nurse, hospice volunteer, social worker, spiritual care provider, counsellor, or other professional may help you find ways to reduce your worries and can connect you with services and supports.
If you are feeling tired, consider sleeping whenever the person you are caring for is sleeping, even if that means leaving some chores unfinished. Draw on resources that are available to you to help with household tasks so that you do not become exhausted. If you need to visit a doctor or clinic for a health concern, try not to put off the visit.
Words of wisdom
Many caregivers do not like to take sleep medication because they worry about not hearing the person they are caring for or being too sleepy to be provide care in the night. Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking sleep medication if other attempts to improve sleep have failed.
