If you have better sleep, then you will have more energy to provide good care.
1. Arranging another carer (e.g. a respite worker, a friend or family member) to stay the night can allow you to get a good night’s rest so that your energy can be somewhat restored.
2. Try to have a daytime nap at the same time as the person you are caring for is resting. We know that it can be a time for you to have some self-care time or gets some chores done, but it really is important to prioritise sleep.
3. Unless they are recovering from a hospital visit or operation etc. make sure the person you care for doesn’t get too much of their sleep in long daytime naps. Set an alarm to go off after an hour to help wake them or wake them with a glass of water, snack, or meal.
If you need support because you are doing a lot of caring during the night, please talk with your doctor or nursing staff or explore support in your community (you can find some information on services on our resources page). Some options that may be available are:
- Bed rails
- Bed alarms or monitors
- A night light so they can move around safely
- A commode or urine bottle near the bed
- Some medication prescribed by their doctor
- Sleeping in a spare room
Sleeping tablets
If you are having trouble sleeping you can discuss this with your doctor. They may prescribe sleeping tablets for a short while. Please talk with your GP about this and follow the directions given.