The Elderly and Insomnia
I’ve noticed lately that my older relatives will call at odd hours. This wouldn’t be so peculiar except that didn’t used to happen.
I started getting a little concerned or at least curious since this didn’t used to be the norm.
Almost everyone will experience problems going to sleep or staying asleep at some point in their lives. A short term episode is normally not harmful. However, others do experience chronic insomnia which can lead to serious health problems.
The elderly are more apt to suffer insomnia as their sleep patterns undergo changes through the aging process. In addition, deeper sleep is less prevalent in the elderly.
In addition, other age related disorders (cognitive or dementia) as well as additional pain can lead to the inability to sleep well.
Too many naps (as older people tend to have the time) can mess with the natural sleep cycle.
Many older people also believe they simply do not need as much sleep as younger folks. This is not true. Overall, adults require an average of 8 hours of sleep per night. A good indicator of not getting enough sleep is if you wake not feeling rested.
Many patients neglect to inform their health care provider of insomnia, or doctors do not inquire. When the subject is discussed, the result is normally a prescription for some sort of sleeping aid.
But there is no drug approved for chronic insomnia. If the drugs intended for short term use are instead used long term, the very problems people are trying to avoid can show up (memory loss, drowsiness, dizziness.)
Eat a healthy diet and avoid caffeine and sugar close to bed time. Both of these can affect sleep patterns.
Alcohol consumption disrupts the REM cycle so that too should be avoided if you suffer from insomnia.
Exercise, especially in the outdoors in direct sunlight can make a big difference in getting and staying asleep.
Naps can actually assist with insomnia, but limit them to about 20 minutes or so per day.
I will also be releasing my all natural Insomnia Program. Stay tuned as the results have been fantastic.
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