Mom cannot sleep much any more. What to do?

I tried the tart cherry juice for my mom (she's 93) but she didn't see any effects from it unfortunately. I also bought her a sleep mask, since she's sensitive to light. She wouldn't use it, but I found it helped ME, since I'm also a very light sleeper! Not seeing light keeps me sleeping. My mom used to complain a LOT about not sleeping, but that seems to have waned. She'd say she didn't sleep during the day but every time I'd go to her place, she'd be napping. So I think she got more sleep than she thought she did. I think my mom's insomnia is/was largely from the medications she takes for her heart and blood pressure. We also got her started on thyroid meds and maybe that had a positive effect. It is very frustrating as a caregiver when you're trying to help your loved one sleep and nothing seems to work. I hope some of the ideas here can help you and your mom.

I recently started taking something so that I can sleep. I do not take any other medication. But a few things that help me is, do not sleep during the day, keep the room dark and quiet, keep it a bit cool, use a great mattress and bedding and buy a great pillow. The pillow is the key. I went to a mattress store and was astounded on what i learned about pillows. Yes, they are pricey.

Does it bother you mom if she can't sleep? is it safe for her to go into the living room and watch TV for a while and go back to bed. if she wants to listen to music and not disturb you get her some earphones and she may simply fall back asleep while listening. Try a warm milky drink at bedtime. Is she comfortable in her bed. Maybe she would sleep better in a recliner. It is difficult to suggest anything without knowing your mother's condition. The elderly often sleep little and cat nap during the day.

Jinx, let me offer my personal experience about insomnia. I saw a psychiatrist. I saw a talk therapist. Finally I saw a sleep specialist. If you are having severe problems with insomnia, going to a clinic that specializes in sleep problems makes the most sense. Start there.

Thanks for that info! I will be very careful from now on. Fortunately, my husband sleeps fine. I'm the one with insomnia.

1tired is correct, antihistamines have strong anti-cholenergic effects and can cause confusion and delirium in elders. Google Beers List to learn what drugs should be avoided in the elderly (Dr. Beers originated the list).

The antihistamines in sleep medications can cause cognitive issues in the elderly. As a matter of fact I was recently told that no one over 60 should take them as the function does not return when they are discontinued. There are many other medications that the doctor might try however. You might try giving her some tart cherry juice before bed as that can help some.

There are lots of things that will help her sleep. With HBP, she can still take antihistamines. That is what's in most generic over the counter sleep aids. A pain pill, like ibuprofen or Tylenol, will help her sleep. Lots of antidepressants make people drowsy. A very small dose might do the job without making her unsteady during the day.

I would be desperate if I couldn't sleep. Please consult her doctor to see what would be safe for her to use.