When Older Folks Can't Sleep
Elderly ZZZZs Disease
If you find it difficult to get the sleep you need, you might want to refine your sleep habits. Here are some things to consider. (And if you haven't done so, discuss the topic with your doctor, too.)
With reporting by Larry Schuster
When Older Folks Can't Sleep
Elderly ZZZZs Disease
Sleep Tips
If you find it difficult to get the sleep you need, you might want to refine your sleep habits. Here are some things to consider. (And if you haven't done so, discuss the topic with your doctor, too.)
- Do you stay active? Many studies have shown exercise can be helpful for people 50-78 to regulate their sleep. Even getting enough sunlight during late afternoon can help, too.
- Do you have a few drinks before bed or drink a lot of coffee during the day? That can really affect your sleep. Alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, but it actually makes it difficult for you to stay asleep and rest.
- Do you nap during the day? Doctors once frowned on the habit because it seemed that it could disrupt your sleep through the night and even lead to health problems. But research now hints that it could be helpful if you set limits on how long the nap lasts. So far, it looks like limiting a nap to no longer than 30 minutes works best.
- Again, talk with your doctor. If you have chronic conditions like arthritis, your sleep could suffer. Also, the medications you take could affect your sleep patterns. If you are having problems sleeping, bring all your medications in to your doctor appointment. If some of them can disturb sleep, you may be able to change the dosage or switch to others that may not be troublesome for you. You and your doctor should talk about this together.
With reporting by Larry Schuster