Elderly Parent Always Sleeping? 7 Caregiver Tips to Boost Energy

Have you noticed your elderly parent always sleeping, dozing off during the day, or spending more time in bed than enjoying their favorite activities? It’s natural to feel worried when your loved one’s energy and alertness begin to fade. While some sleep changes are a normal part of aging, excessive daytime sleepiness can signal underlying health concerns, medication side effects, or even dementia-related changes.

The good news? There are practical, compassionate steps you can take to help your parent feel more alert, engaged, and supported.

Review Medications and Check for Health Concerns

It’s not uncommon for prescription medications to cause drowsiness, especially when several are taken together. Medicines for blood pressure, anxiety, depression, or pain can all contribute to fatigue, and sometimes the combination makes it even harder for your loved one to stay alert. That’s why sitting down with your parent’s doctor for a medication review is such an important first step.

In addition to medications, certain health concerns may also play a role. Conditions like depression, thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea, or dementia-related changes can all interfere with healthy sleep patterns and leave your parent feeling tired throughout the day.

Gentle next step: Write down every medication and supplement your parent takes, and bring that list to their next doctor’s appointment. Ask if any of them may be causing drowsiness and whether simple adjustments could help. Sometimes even small changes can bring a big improvement in energy and quality of life.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Poor nighttime sleep often leads to more daytime napping, which can leave your parent feeling groggy instead of refreshed. Sometimes the reason is simple—an uncomfortable mattress, too much light in the room, or a bedroom that’s a little too warm. Small changes to their sleep environment can make a big difference in helping them rest more peacefully.

To create a calming, comfortable space, try these ideas:

• Keep the room between 65–68°F for ideal comfort.
• Use blackout curtains to block unwanted light.
• Provide supportive pillows to ease pressure on joints and neck.
• Add a white noise machine to soften outside sounds.
• Make sure the path to the bathroom is safe and easy to navigate.

These gentle adjustments can promote deeper, more restorative rest at night. Over time, better nighttime sleep often means your loved one will nap less during the day and feel more energized for the activities they enjoy.

Use Light and Gentle Movement to Boost Energy

Seniors who spend most of their time indoors may lose touch with natural sleep-wake rhythms. Sunlight and activity can help reset the body’s internal clock. Exposure to natural light tells the brain it’s time to be awake and alert, while darkness in the evening signals the body to wind down for rest. Even simple activities like opening the blinds in the morning, enjoying breakfast near a sunny window, or stepping outside for a short walk can make a meaningful difference. When paired with gentle movement, these small habits not only improve sleep quality but also lift mood, increase energy, and support overall well-being.

Encourage your parent to:

• Spend 20–30 minutes in natural morning light.
• Take short walks, stretch, or try chair exercises.
• Enjoy light gardening or other gentle activities.

Light and movement together help improve mood, energy, and overall sleep quality.

Keep Your Parent Engaged with Meaningful Activities

Sometimes seniors sleep more simply because they lack stimulation. Boredom, loneliness, and isolation can make bed seem like the easiest option. Having meaningful engagement throughout the day can make a big difference.

Here are a few ways to encourage alertness and enjoyment:

• Puzzle books, crafts, or simple games.
• Visits or calls from family and friends.
• Community center or safe volunteer activities.
• For dementia care: folding laundry, sorting items, or listening to familiar music.

Companion care from Comfort Keepers® can also be a wonderful solution. Our caregivers don’t just provide support—they share in activities, conversation, and laughter, helping seniors stay active, connected, and uplifted. These moments of companionship bring purpose, reduce fatigue, and make daily life more joyful.

Set a Consistent Routine

Irregular sleep schedules often worsen grogginess. Seniors benefit from steady routines that help regulate their internal clock.

• Set the same bedtime and wake-up time daily.
• Limit naps to 20–40 minutes, scheduled earlier in the day.
• Create a calming bedtime routine with dim lights, soft music, or caffeine-free tea.

Over time, consistent rhythms support better nighttime rest and more alert days.

Support Energy with Nutritious Foods and Hydration

Diet plays a major role in energy levels. Skipping meals, dehydration, or blood sugar spikes can leave seniors feeling sluggish.

Encourage your parent to:

• Eat a balanced breakfast with protein (eggs, yogurt, nut butter).
• Enjoy regular meals and light snacks throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit caffeine after early afternoon.
• Avoid heavy dinners that disrupt sleep.

If appetite is low, a dietitian can suggest tailored strategies to support energy.

Track Patterns and Celebrate Small Wins

A sleep diary can help you and your parent’s doctor identify what’s working and what’s not. Record bedtime, wake-up times, naps, meals, activities, and moods.

Small improvements—like shorter naps or more lively conversations—are worth celebrating. Tracking progress reassures both you and your parent that your efforts are making a difference.

Helping Your Parent Rest Better and Live More Fully

Seeing an elderly parent always sleeping can feel discouraging, but many solutions exist. By adjusting routines, nutrition, activities, and sleep environments, you can help your loved one enjoy brighter, more fulfilling days.

At Comfort Keepers®, we believe in doing more than just caring for seniors—we bring joy, connection, and purpose into everyday life. If you’re concerned about your parent’s sleep habits or overall well-being, our compassionate caregivers in Osseo and the surrounding Minnesota communities are here to help. From providing companionship and meaningful activities to supporting dementia care, we make it possible for seniors to live safely and happily at home.

Call Comfort Keepers of Osseo today at (763) 273-4207 to learn how we can support your family with personalized in-home care.