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How to Manage Your Sleep Issues
By Connie
Hi. I’m Connie. As a serial “Grandmapreneur®”, I speak to retirees or soon-to-be retirees on the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship in retirement. This blog post will help you know how to manage your sleep issues.
The Unique Sleep Challenges Seniors Face
Here are the challenges seniors usually face:
Changed Sleep Architecture
With advancing age, the nature of our sleep changes a lot. While we may have easily plunged into the deep, proper stages of sleep when we’re young, it changes in our senior years. Instead, we stay more in the lighter stages, sometimes making sleep feel less satisfying or invigorating.
Medical Conditions
While rich in experience, the golden years can often bring along a suite of health concerns. Sleep apnea, often undiagnosed, can lead to interrupted breathing during sleep. Restless legs syndrome makes relaxation difficult, causing an irresistible urge to move. Arthritis, on the other hand, brings about physical discomfort, making certain sleeping positions challenging.
Medications
Aging comes with many health requirements, and often, medications become a daily necessity. However, these life-enhancing drugs sometimes come with a price— disrupted sleep. Some can trigger insomnia, while others might make one too drowsy during the day, which alters the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Increased Sensitivity to Changes
Age tends to heighten our sensitivity. A ticking clock, a slightly brighter room, or even a minor change in room temperature can become potential sleep disruptors. The once-taken-for-granted adaptability diminishes, requiring a more tailored environment to ensure uninterrupted rest.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
Seniors often grapple with changes in their social lives, from downsizing in retirement to losing peers. Such emotional upheavals can impact sleep patterns, making it crucial to address the body and the mind.
7 Better Sleep Tips for Seniors
Do you want to sleep better? Here are sleep tips for seniors:
Stick to a Schedule
Consistency is key. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to set your body’s internal clock right.
Make Your Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Dark curtains, earplugs, or even a gentle white noise machine can make a difference.
Be Smart About Naps
Naps can be refreshing, but timing matters. If you nap, keep it short (around 20-30 minutes) and avoid napping too late in the day.
Mind Your Diet
What you consume affects how you sleep. Limit caffeine and sugary snacks in the afternoon and evening. Also, drinking less as bedtime nears will save you from unwanted bathroom visits at night.
Stay Active, But Time It Right
Regular exercise is great for sleep, but try not to get sweaty too close to bedtime. Evening walks, however, can be a calming activity.
Relax and Unwind
Make bedtime a ritual. This can include deep breathing, light reading, or gentle stretches to help you relax.
Ask for Help
Sleep shouldn’t be a constant struggle. If these tips aren’t the trick, consider seeing a sleep expert. They can provide insights, tests, or treatments tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
As we age, the quality of our sleep becomes even more crucial. It impacts our health, mood, and overall well-being. While there might be challenges, you can overcome them with the right approach. The goal is simple: ensuring that our later years are filled with restful nights. Remember, everyone deserves the comfort of a good night’s sleep.
Disclaimer: The material and information contained in this article are for general information purposes only. You should check with a financial advisor before making any business, legal, or other decisions.
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