Get Your Zs: Slate Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on the Importance of Good Sleep

Edna, Resident of Slate Valley Center, takes her sleep very seriously.

It’s not uncommon for seniors to consider themselves light sleepers — the body naturally produces less melatonin as we age, meaning waking up more frequently during the night.

Slate Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing recommends that seniors get at least seven hours of sleep per night, but your body will tell you how much you need — if you don’t feel rested when you wake up, and you’re tired during the day, you probably need to get more sleep at night.

Besides the natural effects of aging, there are several other factors that can contribute to rough nights:

• Check Your Environment: Not having a dark, quiet, comfortable place to sleep can make falling and staying asleep difficult. Try to maintain a regular bedtime, and don’t fall asleep with the TV on — as studies have shown that the artificial light can interfere with beneficial sleep and lead to weight gain.
• Pain or Medical Conditions: Pain from arthritis, heartburn, a frequent need to urinate, diabetes, and other chronic issues can keep you from getting to sleep or may wake you up from a deep sleep regularly enough to where it’s having a negative impact on you.
• Lack of Exercise: Living a sedentary lifestyle can either make you sleepy all of the time or not sleepy at night. Tiring out your body during the day can have a positive effect at night.
• Medication: Lots of medications list insomnia as a side-effect. Combinations of drugs can also have unintended consequences that aren’t listed on a warning label, so be sure to let your doctor know which medications you are taking if you are having trouble sleeping.
• Stress: Stress can keep you up at night no matter your age. The key is to have someone to talk to and avoid situations of isolation and loneliness.
• Diet: Limit caffeine late in the day, avoid too much alcohol at night, and don’t have any big meals right before going to bed.

Using this list as a guide is a good start to try and get more restful, productive sleep, but if you are regularly having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, be sure to consult your doctor.

To learn more about Slate Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/slate_valley_center/.