Sleeping aids: What will reduce my stress so that I can get to sleep more easily?

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What will reduce my stress so that I can get to sleep more easily?

Question

I am the primary caregiver to both of my parents. With their declining health and increased dependence on me, I am feeling very stressed and am having a hard time getting to sleep. Is there an assistive technology that can help with this?

Our answer

Caregiving, which can be both emotionally and physically stressful, can have an effect on healthy sleep patterns. Below are direct links to some products that you may want to explore to help your situation:

  •  An analog clock on a nightstand shows the time at 2 o'clock. Behind it is a blurred-out bed and a person lying in it.Sleep Easily Meditations by Diviniti Publishing – a popular free app for Apple devices (iPhones and iPads) that gently guides you through every step of the way to relax your whole body and mind. In-app purchases cost about $4 (USD).
  • Sleepo: relaxing sounds by Relaxio is a free app for Android devices that offers a library of relaxing sounds, including those found in nature, city sounds and white noise.
  • Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson is available for Apple and costs about $3 (USD). Deep Sleep uses step-by-step instructions to guide you in meditation and relaxation.
  • Weighted Blanket by Gravid (at Gravid Canada) encourages Deep Touch Pressure Simulation (DTPS), which can have a calming effect and may help a person fall asleep. The price of the Gravid Weighted Blanket is about $200 to $300 (CDN), plus a shipping fee. Similarly, weighted blankets can also be purchased from other online retailers, including amazon.ca.

You may also be interested in visiting the Ability411 resources page, which offers some useful information on caregiver supports in the community.

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