Should I be concerned when my 86-year-old mother tells me that she does not want to lay down any longer than an hour during the day or she will feel sick?

My mother is 88 years old. She is blind in one eye and and can see about 40% out of the other eye from glaucoma. Her mind is just fine but her mobility is very limited. I've noticed lately that her ankles are pretty swollen. What should I do and should I be concerned?

Sick in what way?
Can she take shorter naps without this problem?
Can she rest sitting up (in a recliner) for more than an hour without this problem?
Does she sleep through the night with no problem?
How long as this been going on?

I'd record all the details and then talk to her doctor about it, if it seems warranted.

I often feel groggy and cranky if I try to sleep during the day. I always figure my body is saying, Hey, you got horizontal -- I expect at least 5 hours of sleep!

My Mom developed sleep apnea and never returned to sleeping in a bed. She now sleeps in a recliner - which I would NOT recommend because it has caused other problems for her. If your Mom wakes up from a nap choking or gasping for air, this may be the cause. There are ways to treat it - called a C-pap mask that feeds oxygen to the lungs and I guess keeps the airways open.

Try raising the head of her bed about 6 inches. You can use 2x4 blocks nailed together or buy risers at Bed Bath and Beyond. Or she could take her nap in a recliner , that way u can regulate the incline. Does she have the same problem when she goes to bed for the night?? Good Luck.....Dane

Me again..Now I must say I did not ask them straight out that if she wants to lay down in afternoon would it be ok, but the way I look at that, if she is asking to lay down she really needs her nap. But when I said if I did not wake her to drink, etc...that was when she was sleeping in chair practically all day...it does not make since to me to see elderly sleeping in a chair for an hour than to not put them in a nice bed...But I do what the Therapist says...But I am going to ask about the nap thing again especially after therapy...she is so very tired anyway and will sleep in chair for hours if I let her...Anyway...We have to do what is best for them yet stay sane ourselves..so get your second opinion honey...Kiss Mom for us.....I hope all goes well...and a Big Hug and Kiss to you...You will be ok...You care enough to notice the changes and that matters. HUGS and SMILES

Well, I am no expert, but I do have physical Therapy and Occp. Therapy, and a Nurse that has been coming now for my MIL who has dementia. I honestly would get some relief during the afternoon when I would put her down for a nap because if I did not wake her to drink or eat or urinate, so in my mine her lying down in a bed would be much better for her too. Now the nurse says that elderly do get pneumonia easily and can get sicker and weaker by lying down in bed than being up and trying to keep their minds and bodies active. It is so very hard. I loved that time I was getting while she had her hour nap, but for her best interest I try to keep her up and active so she does not decline. Hope this helps you. God Bless...It is all hard and a heratache sometimes to watch it all happen. If you are real concerned the yes, I would take her back and get a second opinion....Wishing you well...We all care on this site and sure understand....Best Wishes for you and your mom...HUGS

Being up and active during the day is the way to go for seniors. Usually her body will ask for more than an hour sleep if she's tired. It is good for her lungs and her overall health since older people are susciptible to Pneumonia. So lying down for a longer period of time is not advisable, unless your body needs it.

Your mother's first blessing is you, as her daughter and caregiver. If "sick" is being nauseous, a tiny bite of ginger chews(purchased at a health food store) may alleviate the sick feeling. A hot cup of chamomile tea with a bit of raw honey may also help and assist your mother in relaxing in the afternoon and at night. If you wish to go the homeopathic method, try Nux Vomica 30X, one pellet every 5 minutes for 15-20 minutes.

Find out "sick" in what way? Nauseous? Dizzy? What? That can point you if maybe she's getting reflux or there's fluid in her lungs.

How does she sleep at night? I mean does she lay in a bed or sit up in a chair all night?