How to Sleep Better as You Get Older
How to Sleep Better as You Get Older
Wear yourself out. Exercise at regular times each day, but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.
Get some sun. Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day. It'll let your body know when it’s time to be awake, and when it’s not. But do wear sunscreen.
If you still can’t sleep, your doctor may be able to help. He can see if you might have a condition that's causing you to stay awake. He can also check any medications you're taking to see if they're interfering with your Zzz's. He can refer you to a sleep specialist, too.
If you figure out what's keeping you up at night, you can tackle the issue and sleep better.
Illnesses and conditions. You may have a medical condition that's affecting your rest. Ailments like arthritis, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome can all make sleep a challenge. Treatment to help your condition may help you get some shut-eye.
Medications. Some can keep you awake at night. Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications you take. She may suggest you adjust when to take it or how much you take. She may even be able to change your medication to something that won't affect your slumber.
Change. The older you get, the more likely you are to have some major transitions in your life. Things like illness, financial problems, or the death of a loved one cause stress, and that can make it hard to sleep. Talk to your family or meet with a counselor to find ways to manage your stress.
Retirement. You might have a lot more downtime and be less active during the day. That can throw off your sleep-wake schedule. So try to keep your body and mind moving: You could volunteer, hit the gym, learn a new skill, spend time with friends and family -- the point is, stay active.
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Tips to Sleep Tight continued...
Wear yourself out. Exercise at regular times each day, but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.
Get some sun. Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day. It'll let your body know when it’s time to be awake, and when it’s not. But do wear sunscreen.
If you still can’t sleep, your doctor may be able to help. He can see if you might have a condition that's causing you to stay awake. He can also check any medications you're taking to see if they're interfering with your Zzz's. He can refer you to a sleep specialist, too.
What Can Cause Sleep Problems When You’re Older?
If you figure out what's keeping you up at night, you can tackle the issue and sleep better.
Illnesses and conditions. You may have a medical condition that's affecting your rest. Ailments like arthritis, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome can all make sleep a challenge. Treatment to help your condition may help you get some shut-eye.
Medications. Some can keep you awake at night. Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications you take. She may suggest you adjust when to take it or how much you take. She may even be able to change your medication to something that won't affect your slumber.
Change. The older you get, the more likely you are to have some major transitions in your life. Things like illness, financial problems, or the death of a loved one cause stress, and that can make it hard to sleep. Talk to your family or meet with a counselor to find ways to manage your stress.
Retirement. You might have a lot more downtime and be less active during the day. That can throw off your sleep-wake schedule. So try to keep your body and mind moving: You could volunteer, hit the gym, learn a new skill, spend time with friends and family -- the point is, stay active.
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