Sleep Tips for Seniors Over 65
Fifty percent of adults over 65 say they get irregular sleep, but experts believe the number could be as high as 90 percent. Here are some tips that can help seniors get a better night’s sleep:
- Avoid caffeine: Restrict caffeine after 6 p.m. The caffeine in coffee, tea, soda and chocolate may make it harder to fall asleep.
- Monitor prescriptions: Some medicines cause drowsiness while others cause sleeplessness.
- Avoid over-the-counter sleeping remedies: Although they can make it easier to fall asleep, these medications often cause light and fragmented sleep, along with early-morning wake-ups.
- Get outdoors during the day: Exposure to natural light results in better nighttime sleep.
- Stay physically active: A late afternoon or early evening stroll will help you sleep more deeply at night.
- Stay mentally active: Enjoy hobbies. Academic courses, volunteer work and social activities will keep you mentally alert in the daytime and early evening.
- Limit naps: Don’t nap more than 20 minutes, or it will be harder to sleep at night.
Source: Power Sleep by Dr. James B. Maas
