What Is The Safest Sleep Aid For Seniors?

Introduction

Some seniors are worried about their sleep patterns and the associated health risks. Their concerns are warranted because not getting enough sleep can make it harder to think, focus, and even increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure you’re getting a good night’s rest – including what type of prescription medication is the safest for seniors. The good news is that there are safe sleep aids available that will help you get a better quality of life. You should use these treatments only after consulting with your doctor first though – they may be contraindicated for certain situations or not right for individuals with certain medical conditions.

10 Safest Sleep Aid For Seniors

1. Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that’s produced in the pineal gland. It’s responsible for regulating the sleep-wake patterns, and it also helps control the seasonal biorhythms. When melatonin levels are out of balance, you can have difficulty sleeping – this is referred to as sleep phase disorder or delayed sleep phase syndrome. Sleep phase disorder is especially common among older adults – it’s estimated that nearly a quarter of people over the age of 60 have trouble sleeping due to melatonin abnormalities.

Melatonin supplements are safe for most adults, but certain medical conditions can make melatonin contraindicated.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is quite common in seniors, and women are the most susceptible because of hormonal fluctuations. Magnesium is an essential mineral that’s necessary for more than 300 different processes in the body. Magnesium deficiencies are linked to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases.

Magnesium helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain which helps you sleep better at night. Improve your magnesium intake by eating foods rich in this essential mineral. Some of these include beans, nuts (especially almonds), dark leafy greens (spinach), dark chocolate, figs, tofu, flaxseed oil and wheat bran.

3. Valerian

Valerian is an herb that’s used as a sleep aid. Valerian is native to Europe but it has spread across the globe to places like Italy, India, and North America where it’s often mixed with other herbal remedies. Clinical studies show that valerian can improve sleep time and quality for up to two weeks, which is why it’s one of the safest sleep aids for seniors.

The recommended dose for valerian is usually at least 1 gram per day (usually between 400-1,500mg). It can take up to two weeks before you start noticing the beneficial effects of valerian.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is also known as German chamomile, but it’s not limited to the borders of Germany. In fact, chamomile can be found in a number of places including Egypt, Morocco, and France. It’s been used medicinally for centuries and was even mentioned by Hippocrates who referred to it as a “soothing herb.”

Chamomile contains apigenin which is a flavonoid that improves sleep quality by blocking histamines that cause inflammation in the body. Chamomile has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects which can also reduce insomnia symptoms.

5. PMS 

PMS is a condition that occurs mainly in women throughout their premenstrual phase, and it refers to symptoms like mood swings, swollen breasts, headaches, cramping back pain, and joint pain (especially in the hands). PMS symptoms are caused by hormones that are out of balance during that time of the month.

The symptoms of PMS intensify during the first half of the menstrual cycle. The good news is that there are some safe sleep aids for seniors if you’re experiencing any symptoms (and if you’re a woman over 50 years old). Stop taking birth control pills because it can disrupt your hormonal balance and trigger PMS symptoms during certain months.

6. Lavender

Lavender is an herb that’s native to Egypt but it’s found in many countries including France, Russia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, China, and Spain. It has a very pleasant fragrance that comes from its essential oils. Lavender oil is often used in cosmetics and perfumes because of its wonderful scent.

7. Pets

There are several things to consider when deciding if pets are right for you – even if you have limited mobility or live alone. Having a pet can make you happier and healthier because they can provide companionship during difficult times or even help improve your mood when you’re lonely.

If you’re a senior, a pet can help provide companionship and even encourage you to get up and move more. Pets make great sleep aids for seniors because they release the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin which can also improve your mood.

8. Valerian Root

Valerian root is actually a component of valerian, but it’s better absorbed by the body as a standalone supplement. Valerian root has been used as a safe sleep aid for centuries – it was even recommended by Hippocrates for its calming effects. Many studies have also shown that valerian root can help reduce anxiety – another common sleep hindrance for seniors.

9. Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid that’s necessary for the production of serotonin which helps regulate sleep cycles in your body. Tryptophan is also responsible for making melatonin, which helps you fall asleep faster and get a restful night’s sleep.

10. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid that’s derived from green tea leaves. Green tea is becoming increasingly popular for its health benefits because it contains potent antioxidants that fight the free radicals that are responsible for aging you prematurely. L-theanine resembles glutamate in structure which promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and releases dopamine which may improve your mood.

Conclusion

There’s no easy way to live as a senior, but it helps to know what you can do to make your senior years less difficult. The 10 sleep aids for seniors listed in this article may provide you with some relief from common sleep disorders like insomnia, and you can try out these safe sleep aids for seniors.

If your loneliness is making it difficult for you to fall and stay asleep at night, then getting a pet could be a great sleep aid for seniors like you! And if your life is too quiet and boring, then it’s time to find something that keeps you active and engaged – whether that’s exercising or joining a social group.