According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, up to 48% of older adults experience insomnia. This can be expressed in several different ways. For example, some older adults who have insomnia struggle to fall asleep while others wake up too early or throughout the night.
Insomnia can be difficult to deal with because our sleeping habits have such a bit impact on our health. If you’re an older adult struggling with insomnia, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to learn what might be causing your insomnia and what you can do about it.
As we get older, many aspects of our health will change. This includes your sleeping habits. Older adults typically get tired earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning. Experts theorize this is because our internal clocks advance as we age.
This isn’t a cause for concern in and of itself. However, as your sleeping habits shift, you may start taking more naps in the day, which in turn may make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at night. That’s just one reason you could be experiencing insomnia. Other reasons include:
Although insomnia can sometimes feel unbeatable, it absolutely isn’t. You may be able to overcome it by adding a few new habits to your days.
First, it’s very important that you maintain a regular sleep schedule. You should try to go to bed and wake up at as close to the same time every day as possible.
Next, you should also try to be physically active every day. For the best results, you’ll want to exercise early in the day and not too close to your bedtime.
Finally, try to practice good sleep hygiene. This means sleeping in a clean, dark, and quiet room. You may also sleep better if you keep the temperature of your room between 60 and 67 degrees.
You may also be able to beat insomnia by cutting existing habits out of your life. Try not to eat heavy meals before bed or nap during the day. You should also avoid using your TV or cell phone for 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
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If you’ve tried the solutions listed above and none of them work, then it may be time to consult with your physician. Your insomnia could be caused by an underlying health condition. A doctor will let you know whether that’s the case or not.
If you’re unsure about your current Medicare coverage, consider reaching out to Time for 65. Our partnered licensed agents are standing by to answer your questions and offer advice about Medicare health insurance. You can reach them by filling out this form or giving us a call.
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