Tackling Sleep Problems for Seniors with Chronic Pain
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, go to bed around the same time each night and get up the same time each morning.
Avoid stimulating technology before bedtime such as, tablets, computers and smartphones.
Create a relaxing environment with dim lights, soft music and perhaps try aroma therapy for sleep induction (such as lavender oil).
Listen to CD’s or tapes with monotone speaker to drowned out ruminating thoughts.
Try guided imagery, breathing exercises or other meditation techniques.
A recent report published by Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials stated, “For chronic pain conditions, what you need is good sleeping habits from the beginning — things that will last,” says Dr. Padma Gulur, a pain medicine specialist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. In other words, it’s advisable to get into the habit of counting on one’s natural sleep drive (instead of taking medications to induce sleep) most of the time, if possible.
