Sleep, like exercise and nutrition, is essential for good health and general well being. We always intend to get the job done, but more often than not, we just can’t get a good night’s sleep.
Oh, we use excuses like “now that I’m older, I don’t need as much sleep.” Or:
“I snore a lot but I don’t think that’s a problem.”
“I’ll catch up on my lost sleep by sleeping longer tomorrow.”
“My obesity, hypertension, diabetes and depression have nothing to do with my poor sleep quality.”
“I sleep during the day so it’s OK that I don’t sleep well at night.”
Have you used any one of these excuses? If so, you are depriving yourself of a very important segment of your daily living. Sleep is essential for good health and general well being.
Let’s examine some of those excuses we use about our sleep habits.
• Now that I’m older, I don’t need as much sleep.
Contrary to a common belief, the need for sleep doesn’t decline with age although the ability to get it all at one time may be reduced. Changes to our sleep patterns are a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to have a harder time falling asleep and more trouble staying asleep. Our sleep rhythms shift forward so that seven or eight hours of sleep are still obtained but the individuals wake up early because they have gone to sleep quite early.
• Snoring: Although snoring may be harmless for most people, it can be a symptom of a life threatening sleep disorder called sleep apnea, especially if it is accompanied by severe daytime sleepiness.
• Catching up on lost sleep: When we don’t get adequate sleep, we accumulate a sleep deficit that can be difficult to pay back if it becomes too big. The resulting sleep deprivation has been linked to health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure, negative mood and behavior.
Of course there are other difficulties which cause poor quality sleep and sleeplessness. They can include Restless Leg Syndrome, sleep apnea, COPD, frequent urination, narcolepsy and nightmares. If you think you may be suffering with any of these disorders, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
So, what’s the secret to a good night’s sleep?
If you are having a sleep problem or feel sleepy during the day, a visit with your doctor is the best first step. Your doctor will want to ascertain whether there are any underlying problems that are contributing to or causing your sleep problem.
In many cases, your doctor will be able to recommend lifestyle changes that can help promote sleep. Here are a few tips many people have found to be useful.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening. They can delay your sleep, and alcohol may interrupt your sleep later in the night.
• Exercise regularly, but do so at least three hours before bedtime. A workout after that time may actually keep you awake because your body has not had a chance to cool down.
• Don’t use your bed for anything other than sleep or sex. Your bed should be associated with sleep.
• Consider your sleep environment. Make it as pleasant, comfortable, dark and quiet as you can.
• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine that will allow you to unwind and send a “signal” to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Avoiding exposure to bright light before bedtime and taking a hot bath may help.
• If you can’t go to sleep after 30 minutes, don’t stay in bed tossing and turning. Get up and involve yourself in a relaxing activity, such as listening to soothing music or reading, until you feel sleepy. Try to clear your mind; don’t use this time to solve your daily problems. |