HOW DOES GETTING OLDER AFFECT MY SLEEP?

PAIN: Many other medical conditions can cause pain that interferes with sleep. Conditions that cause pain include:

→ Arthritis
→ Headache
→ Cancer
→ Fibromyalgia

Other health problems, such as lunch or heart conditions, can also cause problems sleeping. Speak with your health care provider if you think that you may have a medical condition that is affecting your sleep.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Some sleep disorders are more common in older adults. Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, happens when you have an overwhelming urge to move your legs. You may also feel burning or itching inside your legs. Symptoms usually occur in the evening or before bed. RLS can make it hard for you to go to sleep, and you may be tired the next day.

NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP MAY LEAD TO MEMORY PROBLEMS

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when you consistently have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Older adults with insomnia may wake up early in the morning and be unable to fall back asleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, occurs when your airway collapses part or all of the way while you are sleeping. Signs of OSA include loud or frequent snoring, daytime sleepiness or tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep and choking or gasping while you sleep. A sleep apnea test at our sleep clinic can help determine if you have OSA (note that a referral from a medical doctor is required prior to completing the sleep test).

WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY SLEEP?

1. GET SOME EXERCISE: Sometimes people can’t fall asleep because they didn’t get enough activity during the day. Ask your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.

2. TAKE A SHORT NAP: Short naps during the day may be a good addition to nighttime sleep. Do not nap for longer than 1 hour or in the late afternoon, or you may have problems sleeping at night.

3. CHANGE YOUR SLEEP HABITS: Don’t force yourself to stay in bed until the time you think you should get up. Get out of bed when you wake up, and don’t get back into bed until you are ready to sleep for the night.