What's it like to Be Retired? Interesting Commentary by Irwin!

SLEEP

by SLEEPYHEAD
(California)

Lately I've been experiencing interrupted sleep. I wake up 4 or 5 times a night and spend my days exhausted, irritable and depressed.


Any suggestions? Is this normal?

Wendy: I still sleep good, but my mother sure doesn't. She's up and down all night...
Anyone else??

Comments for SLEEP

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Sleep Apnea?
by: Janet

In August of 2012 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. When I went for an all-night sleep study test, from 11 pm to 6 am, I woke up every hour to use the bathroom I thought. The study showed I stopped breathing an average of 20 seconds at a time, the longest 90 minutes, and had 365 "episodes."

When I returned a week later for the second study to find the right mask and was hooked up to a CPAP machine, I only had three episodes and woke up only once in the same time period.

You may need to visit a pulmonary doctor to find out if this could be the reason you're not sleeping. Good luck!
Sleep and a little bit of music
by: Barbara Lewis

Hello,

I agree with Dean. I find that I sleep best when I do some light exercise every day. My muscles feel looser. I move more easily.
When I lie down at night, I feel that my body is calmer.

I also try to think of things that might disturb my sleep - and one by one, let them go for the night - knowing that I can't do much till the next day anyway.
Also, like others, I read a little bit before going to sleep.

A friend of mine likes to listen to music during the night if she cannot stay asleep. I think you need very un-intrusive music for that to work, but I did send her one of my "calming" songs to see if it helped. Here it is - if you'd like to give it a try. It's called, 5 minutes of peace. I wrote it while visiting a quiet island in Florida.

My best,
Barbara

http://www.barbaralewis.com/blog/2013/08/dreams-free-song-for-sleepless-humans/
Better zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
by: Anonymous

I have difficulty falling asleep- more since I retired. I find myself thinking about work, missing the social aspect, teamwork, etc.
I have found if I put aside 30mins during the day to focus on these types of thoughts, I sleep better. Some nights I sleep better than other nights. I have started a walking routine into my day, which also helps me sleep better.
Sweet Dreams
by: Barbara (The Good Witch)

Dear Sleepyhead....before I respond to your post I'd like to invite you to join our online community. Please click on the "Friendship Here" link on the right side of this page. I will be delighted to correspond and chat with you.

I also live in California and since turning 55+ have had bouts of intermittant sleepless nights.

There are so many things that can interfere with a good nights sleep. The summer months were worse because it was hot. Now that things have cooled down I tend to sleep better.

Please write back!
Sleep
by: Diana

Sleep can be a bugaboo for seniors, especially if they have arthritis or other pain-producing conditions.

I have a double bed with a pillow-top mattress (from my marriage) and it is very comfortable. Since I lost my husband nine years ago, my habit has shifted and I often fall asleep on the couch in the living room. It might seem strange but I feel more centrally located, and even with arthritis, I normally sleep seven hours without waking.

If you can, try changing your sleeping location and see if that helps. Best of luck!
Sleep
by: Dean

How active are you during the day? Do you take naps? I retired about a year and a half ago and started the bad habit of taking a nap each day. I'm only 63 and didn't need the nap. Eliminating the nap improved my sleeping.

Another thing that helped me, 6 months ago I started an exercise program and lost 25 pounds. Finding out I had an aneurysm kind of inspired me. The fear of open heart surgery can do that! I have a lot more energy and sleep much better.

Before bedtime I cut back on liquids and have a light snack. I usually read for a half an hour before I go to sleep. On more thing I do is take a half dose generic sleeping pill each night. The instructions say to take 2.

I still wake up a couple of times a night but I am able to go right back to sleep. I hope this is some help for you.
Sleep help
by: Sheila

First, see your doctor and have a checkup. He may be able to help you by prescribing pills on a temporary basis.

Then, get more exercise, outdoors if possible. Breathe deeply.

Read more. Watch TV less.

A glass of warm milk an hour before bed helps.
These are just a few ideas. I hope they help.
Sleepless
by: Joani

Settle down before bed....stay off the computer at least 2 hours prior to bedtime....read a nice novel instead.....AND, have a bowl of Oatmeal just before turning in....Works!

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