$Unique_ID{BRK01085}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Will Loss of Sleep Cause Any Harm?}
$Subject{sleep retirement aging home}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Will Loss of Sleep Cause Any Harm?


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QUESTION:  Some time ago, my wife and I moved to this retirement facility, so
that we would have a bit more social life than was possible before.  However,
ever since we arrived I have been unable to sleep well, and only get a few
hours a night.  Will this loss of sleep cause me any harm?

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ANSWER:  It is not how many hours of sleep that count, or even if the sleep is
light or interrupted that is important but rather how well you rested.  If you
still feel perky in the morning, no matter what pattern your sleep took, you
are fine, and no harm will occur.  With advancing age, and with a change in
your home environment, you have some very understandable reasons for a change
in the amount and type of sleep you are now experiencing.  As we grow older
our sleep needs change, so that we spend more time awake in bed than before,
have less light and less deep sleep, but our bodies function just as well.
There are a number of things you might consider that could be causing your
sleep habits to change.  They include various medications that you might be
taking, blood pressure pills, cortisone like medications, various
antidepressants and antihistamines.  You might wish to discuss these with your
doctor.  Then too, aches and pains, the need to visit the bathroom, irregular
heart beats, difficulty in breathing, outside noises you have yet to become
accustomed to, and even your wife's snoring (does she?) can all contribute to
breaking up a nights rest.  Are you napping more during the day?  If so, that
too can be contributing to making your night sleep at night less satisfying.
Try a few of these suggestions, in addition to correcting any of the
situations I have outlined.  While you should establish a regular routine for
retiring and arising, it may help to stay up a bit longer, and participate in
some relaxing activity.  Stay away from stimulants like coffee or tea, in the
evening.  If you suffer from a condition that causes a chronic pain, as your
doctor to help you change the schedule of pain medication so that you take one
before retiring.  Review your problem with your physician, who should have
some insight about you and may have just the remedy you need.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
