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hormone, we do not sleep as well. It is may be dealing with a sleep disorder like
important to try and get the early morning insomnia:
sun on ourself for at least five minutes • Have trouble falling asleep even though
every week… not more than that! This you feel tired
will help regulate the melatonin levels, • Have trouble getting back to sleep when
hopefully. awakened
Our sleep cycles change as we age, too. • Do not feel refreshed after a night’s sleep
A typical sleep cycle is divided into four • Feel irritable or sleepy during the day
stages: two stages of “light” non-rapid eye • Have difficulty staying awake when
movement (NREM) sleep, one stage of sitting still, watching TV, or driving
“slow-wave” or “heavy” NREM sleep, and • Have difficulty concentrating during the
a final stage of rapid eye movement (REM) day
sleep before the cycle begins again. • Rely on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall
Older people tend to experience less time asleep
in the “slow-wave” NREM stage. This • Have trouble controlling your emotions
can make them more likely to wake up
throughout the night, ultimately leaving Causes of Insomnia
them tired in the morning. Many people Many things can cause insomnia in older
describe it as a feeling of never getting adults, including:
enough rest no matter how hard they try, • Normal changes in sleep patterns that
leaving them groggy and sluggish during occur with age
the day. • Medications, including antidepressants,
medicines to treat high blood pressure, or
nasal decongestants
• Other sleep disorders, such as sleep
apnea or restless legs syndrome
• Other health conditions, like dementia,
• Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, diabetes, or
respiratory diseases
• Mental illness, including depression and
anxiety
• Lifestyle habits, such as napping or lack
Symptoms of Insomnia of physical activity
Aside from becoming more “light sleepers” • Caffeine or alcohol when consumed
as we age, it is common to want to go to before bedtime
sleep earlier in the evening and wake up • Smoking, especially before bed
earlier in the morning. You may also feel • Chronic stress or stress that lasts for a
the need to sleep longer at night or take long time
naps throughout the day.
In most cases, such sleep changes Treatment for Insomnia
are normal and do not indicate a sleep One of the first things your doctor
problem. However, if you experience any might recommend is to create the most
of the following symptoms regularly, you welcoming, peaceful bedroom environment
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #61 | JULY 2024 49
