Seniors and Sleep Problems

Donna Nichols • August 11, 2023
An elderly man is sitting at a table with an alarm clock.

Our sleep patterns change as we age, and seniors have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. When your older adult must get up in the middle of the night, you may have to get out of bed as well to ensure they don’t fall while going to the restroom or try to go outside. This causes a disruption in your sleep as well.


Here are some of the most common reasons for senior sleep problems:


  • Side effects from medications
  • Needing to urinate more frequently
  • Irregular sleep/wake schedule
  • Daytime napping
  • Discomfort from medical conditions
  • Too much time in bed


To improve their sleep, you may need to try some different solutions. Just make sure you implement them one at a time with enough time to adjust to the change, so you know which ones work and which ones don’t.


First, write down when they fall sleep and every time they wake up for about a week to see the sleep pattern. Ask their doctor about their medications and see if the dosages can be increased or decreased. Ask if disrupted sleep could be due to pain from a medical condition and if a light pain reliever at bedtime would help them sleep better.


Limit their caffeine intake, especially during the afternoon and evening. If they like to drink tea, try to switch it to decaf. Also limit the amount of water they drink close to bedtime and make sure they try to use the restroom before retiring for the night. If it seems like they wake up because they are concerned about having an accident, suggest wearing adult diapers to bed just in case.


Keep your loved one on a regular schedule; going to bed and waking up at the same time. Limit the amount and length of naps they take; try not to let them nap in the afternoon. I know most seniors like to watch the 10 or 11 o’clock news but doing this can leave their mind racing and they will never fall asleep. Try to play some calming music or some other type of calming method prior to bedtime.


Make comfort a priority! Ensure their mattress is supportive and comfortable. Make sure they have enough blankets to keep them warm; seniors tend to be colder than we are so please keep that in mind when setting the air conditioner temperature. If it seems they are scared at night, try getting them a stuffed animal to sleep with; holding the animal may help them feel more secure and not alone. If they are having difficulty due to pain, try using pillows to prop under them and ease the pressure on the sore area(s).


Sleep is so important for everyone, and we need to ensure our loved one gets enough. If they sleep through the night, we should sleep through the night as well. Try the different techniques if they are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and keep a journal to see what works and what doesn’t.


A man and a woman are sleeping in a bed.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.