arrange, and host free exercise groups so call us on 01933 677907 or visit our website to find out what is on in your area. • Exercise should be enjoyable and not a chore so whatever you decide to do make sure it is something that you like, want to do and benefit from. Sleep support Caring for someone can impact your sleep pattern and is more common than people realise.
Complementary therapies Complementary and alternative therapies are things that often fall outside of mainstream medical healthcare. These treatments range from acupuncture and homoeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation. It is sometimes defined as: • When a non-mainstream practice is used together with conventional medicine, it’s considered complementary. • When a non-mainstream practice is used instead of conventional medicine, it’s considered alternative. Many complementary therapies are used with the intention of treating or curing a heath condition. It is important to look at evidence-based therapies and speak to a medical practitioner about the suitability for you. Some therapies are proven to work for a limited number of health conditions such as treating back pain with chiropractic intervention. Complementary therapies are limited on the NHS. When looking at complementary therapies, it is advisable to seek guidance from NICE www.nice.org.uk/guidance (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and ensure you are supported by regulation as many practitioners in complementary therapies are not regulated and may not be qualified. This may be a risk, so it is important to understand what support you are looking for. When looking for a practitioner, consider these questions: • Cost of treatment and number of sessions needed. • If this is suitable for you and your condition. • What side effects may occur. • Whether there is anything you should do to prepare for the treatment. • What system the practitioner has in dealing with complaints. • Documentation for proof of qualification. • Proof that they are a member of a professional association.
The emotional, physical and sometimes irregular pattern of needs of the person you care for might interrupt your sleep. Added pressures such as financial or emotional worries or isolation can also lead to stress and impact your sleep pattern.
Having one disturbed night’s sleep might impact you and who you care for the following day. If this pattern persists you might find everyday tasks and your routine become harder and more challenging. You may become constantly tired, fall asleep unexpectedly during the day, have trouble concentrating or making decisions or start to feel depressed. Long term sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of having high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
How can you ensure you get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Try not to use devices such as smart phones and laptops for an hour or so before bed and put them on silent or switch off notifications other than the most important ones such as motion sensors in the room of the person you care for. Also, try not to have a TV or computer in the room you sleep in. • The right balance of regular exercise such as walking or swimming, but not too near to bedtime, will help relax your body and prepare you for sleep. • Heading to bed at the same or similar time each night and setting an alarm for the same time each morning can support a better sleep pattern as it helps regulate your own internal body clock. • Avoid caffeine and sugary foods for a couple of hours before going to sleep. Prepare the room where you sleep so that it makes you feel the most comfortable and calm and enables you to get to sleep.
• Written references. • Proof of insurance.
www.cnhc.org.uk/#gsc.tab=0 www.professionalstandards.org.uk
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