Sleep problems is an issue among men as they get ahead in years. Understand why it happens and what are the steps to start having good slumber every night.
Do you sleep well every night? Some have this incredible ability to nap within a few minutes, and if you are this person, you are very fortunate. On the other hand, you might be spending nights frustratingly counting sheep and turning around without drifting off. Sleep problems can be frustrating and can affect your daily life. We all want to get our daily slumber and get rested, but what you can do if you just can’t get it? Continue reading to understand the causes and what you can do about sleep problems.
It is a common issue. You might have a sleep problem if you have difficulty falling asleep even when tired, lack of energy throughout the day, difficulty staying awake when driving or watching TV, irritability, and resorting to sleeping pills and alcohol to fall asleep. If you have any of those problems, you could have a problem and should check your GP right away.
Not getting enough sleep hurts your body more than you think. It can make you prone to getting obese, heart disease, diabetes, or lower the function of your immune system. Getting enough slumber is a problem as we age, and the most common sleep problem among the elderly is insomnia.
You can notice how your mental performance drops when you lose a few hours of shut eye. And most people can easily notice whether you got a good night’s sleep or not. And, not sleeping well for days at a time will make you look older than you really are!
Why Our Sleep Becomes Erratic As We Age?
There is a reason why we have trouble sleeping as we get older. Most aging people experience changes in the quality and the duration of sleep, with many reporting they don’t experience the quality they had when they were younger.
The normal functions of our circadian rhythm or the body clock, can get disrupted as we age. As we get ahead in years, there will be changes in the usual deep sleep patterns and the cycle of neurotransmitters responsible for the sleep-wake cycle. It will be easy to further mess up by not sleeping at usual times, which explains why we become restless at night and have trouble getting awake during the day.
Also note it can be a symptom of an underlying health problem, like heart disease, Alzheimers, depression, and arthritis. Sometimes, certain drugs and supplements can cause sleep problems as well.
The First Steps to Improve Sleep
You might think that not getting enough sleep gets you more things done. It is so easy to sacrifice sleep so we can do overtime at work or watch your favorite streamed shows. Doing it for a few days can cause sleep deprivation, making you less alert and prone to accidents.
At Silver Athletes, we want you to live your best life every day and you need to have a good sleep to achieve that. Good sleep improves well being and mental performance, as well as makes you look fresh and younger than you really are.
Search and eliminate the cause of sleep problem. Make it a point to avoid using phones or taking alcohol or caffeine two to three hours before bedtime, as these things only disrupt sleep. Since phones are a really good stimuli, a good tip is to use it after you just woke up.
Have consistent sleep and wake times, where you get to bed and be awake at a set time regardless whether you have a good sleep or not. Sleep and wake up at set times, even when you have not slept well and feel the need for a few hours of shut eye. You will feel uneasy and it can take some time for your body to get used to, but you need it so your body clock can get adjusted to a new schedule.
There is a thing called sleep hygiene, and you should implement it so you can fall asleep quicker. Your bedroom should be a place for sex and sleep only, and nothing else. Do phone calls, watching TV, and remote meetings on places other than your bedroom. Make the bedroom dark and quiet, with a supportive mattress, soft sheets and pillows, and at a cool temperature to make it comfortable for sleeping. If you get bothered by barking dogs or animal sounds at night, wear high-quality earplugs.
So now learn to appreciate the times you fall asleep quickly and wake up well rested. Not everyone can that sleep well. You might even experience sleep problems in the near future since a lot of things can cause it. Understand that sleep issues is not a normal part of ageing. Focusing on sleep health is something you should focus on. It is a must-have for better health, longevity, and vitality.