A RESTING DEVELOPMENT
Tips for Getting Necessary Sleep
BY:ERIC FEIL
Older Americans aren’t getting enough rest—more than half, in fact, suffer from sleep disturbance, according to a recent study. Decreased memory, faulty concentration and impairment to overall functioning can result from a lack of sleep. Interrupted sleep also increases the risk of accidents, falls and chronic fatigue. But cargivers and care recipients alike don’t need to accept sleeplessness as an irrefutable fact of aging. And although treatment will involve more than avoiding a late-night cup of espresso, you may not need drugs to tackle the problem.
“Simple sleep hygiene—getting the TV out of the bedroom, making the room darker and avoiding strenuous mental and physical activity just before sleep—can help,” offers Virend K. Somers, MD, of the department of internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Finding the source of the problem also is key. Breathing disorders, like sleep apnea; painful conditions, like arthritis; and heart ailments can have a negative impact on sleep. Once the source is located, the issue can be addressed.
“If it’s medication, try changing the times it’s taken, the dose or an alternative that doesn’t disturb sleep. If it’s pain, get the pain under control,” offers Sonia Ancoli-Israel, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders Clinic at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. “Just because somebody is older doesn’t mean they weren’t meant to sleep better.” Remember, however, not to alter your medication dosage or schedule without first consulting your physician.