How Aging Affects Sleep
Learn why you can’t sleep well and how to start sleeping better tonight
Getting a good night of sleep is critical for all age groups to maintain healthy energy levels. Unfortunately, as we age, adults tend to get less sleep and poor overall quality of sleep.
Sleep occurs in stages: dreamless periods of light sleep and some periods of active dreaming (REM sleep). Aging causes sleep patterns to change. Older adults spend less time in REM sleep, and wake up an average of three or four times a night (sleep fragmentation). In addition, it takes older adults longer to fall asleep (sleep latency). Consequently, many older adults report being less satisfied with their sleep and more tired throughout the day.
Besides sleep quality, there are other factors that could affect sleep as we age. Illnesses, such as heart failure, arthritis and Alzheimer’s can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Certain medications can make a patient feel more awake at night, and can keep you from falling or staying asleep. Conditions, such as arthritis, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can also make sleeping difficult.
As we age, we also face varying amounts of lifestyle changes. Retirement, moving, physical limitations due to illness, and the death of loved ones can cause stress, negatively affecting our sleep cycle.
“Even though aging is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to increase your quality and duration of sleep,” said Board Certified Physician at Allergy Sleep and Lung Care, Imtiaz Ahmad, M.D.
These include sticking to a regular bedtime, turning off computers and TVs at least an hour before sleep, and spending more time relaxing before sleep. Spending less time in bed during the day is also important; this will help to train the brain that the bed is for sleep. It’s also advised to limit daytime napping and alcohol before bedtime.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to improve your quality of sleep, Allergy Sleep & Lung Care provides diagnostic testing and treatment for disorders like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
For more information about Allergy Sleep & Lung Care, please visit www.LungCare.net, or call (239) 437-6670.
About Allergy Sleep & Lung Care
Allergy Sleep & Lung Care is dedicated to improving and maintaining the health status of their patients by providing compassionate, top quality care. The respected practice provides excellence in patient care with the innovation that counts. The highly experienced team continues to provide a level of care and treatment that is unmatched on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Allergy Sleep & Lung Care is located at 16420 HealthPark Commons Drive, Suite 100 Fort Myers, FL 33908, with a second location at 260 Beth Stacey Boulevard, Suite 220 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936. Allergy Sleep & Lung Care is a division of 21st Century Oncology.