Nanaimo News Bulletin

May 10, 2008

Poor sleep can create more health problems

It is common for seniors to struggle with getting a good night’s rest.

Many people find that, as they age, they experience poor quality sleep and wake up more often throughout the night.

Poor sleep can lead to a number of problems including a depressed mood, attention and memory issues and feeling tired throughout the day.

With nearly one-fifth of Nanaimo residents currently 65 and older, seniors should understand the importance of the issue as well as how they can help address it in their own lives.

“Not sleeping well is associated with a poorer quality of life,” said Chris Wilkinson, owner of the Nanaimo Nurse Next Door franchise. “There are a number of steps seniors can take to help minimize their sleeping problems.”

Wilkinson has outlined a few tips on how to get better sleep:

Avoid smoking – Nicotine contains substances that can keep you up. Avoiding smoking can help keep your sleep patterns regular and restful.

“Quitting smoking has great health advantages but can also improve your sleep,” said Wilkinson. “Although this can be difficult, it is definitely worth a shot.”

Exercise regularly, but not near bedtime – Regular physical activity is important, however keep it earlier on in the day.

“Exercising close to bedtime can keep you up even longer,” said Wilkinson. “Try to schedule your exercise earlier on in the day and give yourself plenty of time to unwind before bed.”

Avoid long naps – Although naps can be tempting when you’re feeling tired, they can really disrupt sleep patterns. Creating a sleeping schedule can help reduce sleepiness during the day.

“Try to avoid having long naps during the day,” suggests Wilkinson. “It is a good idea to wake up and go to bed at consistent times every day.”

Avoid caffeine – Although an obvious one, Wilkinson stresses the importance of avoiding caffeine.

“Many seniors become more sensitive to caffeine as they age and may not see it as a problem since they’ve been consuming it for so long,” said Wilkinson. “Cutting down on that coffee, especially later in the day, is a great idea.”

For more information on Nurse Next Door, please visit www.nursenextdoor.com or call 667-0190.
 


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