Sleep and the Caregiver.

Sounds like a fairy tale story, right?? Sometimes it is. Whether you are an on-site or long distance caregiver, your sleep is definitely affected by a loved ones medical or mental issue. I found some advice on Caring.com "Caregiver Confessions" with tips on getting a better nights sleep.

Recognize that you're not in a sleep-supportive situation. Caregivers often fail to realize how much tension and anxiety builds up during the day. The body holds this stress and adds it to whatever issues your loved one has that may also be upending your odds of a good night's rest.

Target the tension. Spend time in the morning and, especially, at night, simply sitting still and breathing deeply. A few slow inhalations and exhalations will literally slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, making your body more sleep-ready.

Keep moving through the day. There's a strong association between getting exercise by day and sleeping better at night. Even two short walks of five to ten minutes each can improve your ability to rest. Can't get out of the house? Try walking stairs.

Note the diet-sleep connection. Did you know that food cravings for salty, fatty, high-carb snacks are linked to poor sleep? (picture from Leeza's Place website)

Please check out this page as there are a variety of videos to watch done by TV and radio personality, Leeza Gibbons. The videos include: Family is Being Torn Apart, When You're Feeling Guilt, When You Rarely See Friends, When You Resent Being a Caregiver, to name a few. She also has a website, Leeza's Place, a gathering place and resource center for caregivers.