Sleeping issues and tips for older adults

Are you sleeping well at night? If not please read this article!

Our sleeping habits change by age, so we might start sleeping later, earlier, longer or shorter. However, disturbed sleep, waking up tired, and having insomnia symptoms can be avoided. Sleeping is important for our physical, emotional and immunization health system

What are the reasons for poor sleeping habits?

1. Health and medical problems

2. Lack of exercise

3. Unhealthy diet

4. Psychological issues

5. Day to day problems (financial, social, family, etc.)

In order to improve your quality of sleep it’s crucial to understand the causes of your sleep problems and to work on a solution to them

Sleeping disorder symptoms on older adults:

a. Memory problems

b. Lack of focus

c. Depression

d. Excessive daytime sleepiness.

e. Sensitivity to pain

f. Immunity weakness

g. Unnecessary use of sleeping aid drugs which have side affects

h. The risk of diabetes, breast cancer in women, cardiovascular disease and weight problems

Here some categories to identify your sleeping issue?

1. Depression

2. Emotional problem

3. Going through a shock

4. Anxiety

5. Medication side affect

6. Health problems

7. Environment where I sleep

8. Bad habits (i.e. forcing yourself to sleep on a regular basis, paying bills before going to bed)

9. Exercise habits

What can be done to overcome a sleep disorder?

a. Involve in social activities, talk to people, play games, join a community

b. Exercise regularly (golfing, swimming, walking, jogging, etc.)

c. Reduce alcohol and caffeine before bedtime

d. Dim your lights at home or use low voltage bulb level

e. Read a book from a “book” not a laptop or a kindle

f. Make your room quiet and relaxing and hide your clock if possible

g. Stick to a sleep schedule (time it right)

h. Go to bed early

i. Try to avoid or reduce the use of medical aid

j. Have your partner do a massage for you which will relax your muscles and free your mind

k. Try playing a soothing sound (river stream, falls, and soft wind)

l. Bed time rituals, such as taking a shower, stretch your muscles or go on a treadmill for a short period

m. Make sure not to sleep hungry… Eat sometime before your bedtime especially if you felt hungry and avoid spicy and big fatty meal and minimise drinking fluids as well

If none of the above techniques work for you, means it’s the time to consult your doctor. 

Good luck!

- See more at: http://www.comfycare.ca