Your mother has been struggling to sleep at night. She says she can't quiet her mind. There are too many thoughts, and her heart feels like it's beating too fast. She also wakes during the night. Sometimes, you see her talking in her sleep when you check on her.

Anxiety in elderly people at night is common, especially when they have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's. It can be hard to recognize, and it can be distressing for both seniors and their caregivers.

Understanding why older loved ones experience anxiety at night is an important part of providing compassionate support. With time and patience, you can address these concerns and work toward a better night's sleep for everyone.

Understanding Nighttime Anxiety in the Elderly

Up to 1 in 5 older adults(Opens in a new window) has anxiety, according to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. But it can often go undiagnosed. Some older adults have anxiety for much of their life and might not recognize their symptoms. They may also be reluctant to talk about their feelings because of the stigma of mental health conditions.

It might not be immediately clear to caregivers why their loved one is experiencing anxiety at night. Some of the most common reasons are(Opens in a new window):

• Stressful Events: Seniors might be grieving the death of a loved one or be holding onto childhood trauma, which can make it difficult to get good sleep.
• Financial Worries: Older adults may be on a fixed income and worry about paying for medications or living expenses.
• Health Conditions: Medical diagnoses can cause a senior not to sleep well. Conditions that may affect sleep include insomnia, diabetes, mental health conditions (including depression), Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
• Side Effects from Medications: Some medications, including steroids and stimulants, can cause side effects such as difficulty sleeping and anxiety.
• Decreased Independence: Seniors may be concerned about their health, balance or mobility — or isolation from their family and friends.
• Family History of Anxiety: Having other family members, such as parents or siblings, with anxiety can increase the risks of your loved one having the same condition.

Your loved one may experience a variety of signs and symptoms of anxiety(Opens in a new window) at night, including:

• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Racing heart
• Trembling or shaking
• Tense muscles
• Feeling nauseous
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Dwelling on negative thoughts
• Feeling irritable
• Feeling like something bad may happen

Having anxiety isn't a normal part of the aging process. If your loved one has trouble sleeping because of anxiety, there are steps you can take to help them calm their mind and get the rest they need.

Practical Ways to Help Manage Nighttime Anxiety

As you seek ways to help seniors manage nighttime anxiety, first consider whether anything you've tried in the past has helped. A mix of techniques might be the key to getting a good night's sleep. It often takes trial and error to find out what works best.

Before you try any of the following techniques, make sure your loved one doesn't have an underlying health condition that can cause anxiety or trouble sleeping. Your loved one's health care provider can help determine whether their symptoms are related to an anxiety disorder or another condition, like insomnia. Sometimes, it might be a combination of medical and mental health concerns.

Here's a game plan for better rest:

Set Up Consistent Sleep Habits

A regular routine can help seniors sleep better. It can increase the number of hours(Opens in a new window) spent sleeping, as well as the quality of sleep. A consistent sleep schedule also decreases feelings of anxiety(Opens in a new window) by giving seniors a sense of control.

Here are some ways to relax the mind and body and get better sleep:

• Sit outside or next to a window while it's still light out for half an hour daily. Natural light tells the body to get on a regular sleep pattern and to start feeling tired when it's dark.
• Take an afternoon walk to get the body moving. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or it might keep you awake.
• Go to bed at the same time every day.
• Avoid caffeine eight hours before bedtime.
• Don't drink alcohol or eat large or fatty meals before bed. Reduce fluids before bed to avoid nighttime bathroom trips.
• Review medications. Stimulants can keep people awake, so find out from a health care provider if switching to another medication is a possibility.

Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques

Stress-management techniques can ease the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety by soothing racing thoughts or slowing a rapid heartbeat. They also can help you relax. Some ways to decrease stress before bed include:

• Practice meditation or mindfulness
• Do gentle yoga
• Try deep breathing exercises
• Take a warm bath
• Read or listen to music

Provide a Safe and Relaxing Space

Sometimes, seniors can feel anxious if they have balance or mobility issues, or if they don't feel safe. If you make sure the sleeping environment, as well as the rest of the home, is free of tripping hazards and is appropriately lit, you can reassure your loved one they aren't in danger of injury. Some ways you can take action include:

• Make sure there's plenty of light, especially in pathways.
• Remove any rugs or objects that can be tripped over or stepped on.
• Provide well-cushioned furniture for comfort.
• Keep night lights on in case of a nighttime wake-up.
• Make sure the room isn't too warm or too cool.

Discuss Medication with a Doctor if Needed

If other methods aren't effective, your loved one has the option to take medication to help control anxiety, according to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. This might include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Beta-blockers are another type of medication that can help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart.

Make sure the health care provider instructs how and when to take the medication and discusses possible side effects. Older adults are more sensitive to medications and may have more severe side effects(Opens in a new window) than younger people. This can include confusion, irritability and muscle tremors. Don't start any new medication, including herbal supplements or vitamins, before talking with a doctor about the potential for medication interactions.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, anxiety-reducing techniques won't provide the results you're looking for. You may need professional help. This might mean a call or visit to your loved one's health care provider or getting support from an in-home care provider.

Seeking outside medical or professional help doesn't mean you or your loved one has fallen short. Some symptoms of anxiety need special expertise. Severe symptoms such as interference with daily activities and being unable to manage anxiety on their own are reasons to call in support.

A health care provider might suggest adding or adjusting medication or beginning talk therapy. Speak with a health care expert to find a treatment that's right for your loved one.

Reducing Nighttime Anxiety Begins with Informed Care

Anxiety in elderly at night is not a normal part of getting older, but it's a common concern as people age. While nighttime anxiety can be a challenging issue, there are solutions to decrease stress and professionals who can help. What works for one person may not work for another, so be patient and open to trying several techniques until you find something that helps your loved one get the sleep they need.

Don't hesitate to bring up the issue with the senior's health care provider. You don't have to go this alone.

Sleeping Better with BrightStar Care^® Support

BrightStar Care^® team members are here to help with your loved one's sleep and anxiety concerns. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to be of service. Find a location near you, contact us online or call 866-618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care^® offers A Higher Standard^®.