I need to go to sleep now how to#

Some people with Alzheimer’s disease sleep too much others don’t sleep enough. But, if you have REM sleep behavior disorder, your muscles can move and your sleep is disrupted.Īlzheimer’s Disease and Sleep-A Special ProblemĪlzheimer’s disease often changes a person’s sleeping habits. During normal REM sleep, your muscles cannot move, so your body stays still. Rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep behavior disorder is another condition that may make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Medication, warm baths, exercise, and relaxation exercises can help. Periodic limb movement disorder, or PLMD, causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. See your doctor for more information about medicines to treat RLS. People with restless legs syndrome, or RLS, feel like there is tingling, crawling, or pins and needles in one or both legs. These movement disorders can rob you of needed sleep. Restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are common in older adults. A dental device or surgery may also help. Treatment using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device almost always helps people with sleep apnea.

You may need to learn to sleep in a position that keeps your airways open. If you think you have sleep apnea, see a doctor who can treat this sleep problem. Feeling sleepy during the day and being told you are snoring loudly at night could be signs that you have sleep apnea. You can have sleep apnea and not even know it. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke, or memory loss. These pauses may happen many times during the night. People with sleep apnea have short pauses in breathing while they are asleep. But remember, medicines aren’t a cure for insomnia.ĭeveloping healthy habits at bedtime may help you get a good night’s sleep. These medicines may help when used for a short time. Others may use prescription medicines to help them sleep. Some older adults who have trouble sleeping may use over-the-counter sleep aids. This may make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Some people worry about not sleeping even before they get into bed. Often, being unable to sleep becomes a habit.

Wake up early and are unable to get back to sleep.

Insomnia can last for days, months, and even years. People with this condition have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep.

Remember- alcohol won’t help you sleep.

Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate) can keep you awake.

Stay away from caffeine late in the day.

Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime-they can keep you awake.

Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.

Use low lighting in the evenings and as you prepare for bed.

Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible.

And alarming or unsettling shows or movies, like horror movies, may keep you awake. The light from these devices may make it difficult for you to fall asleep.

Try not to watch television or use your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom.

Some people read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath. Take time to relax before bedtime each night.

Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening, if you can.

Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when you are traveling. You can do many things to help you get a good night’s sleep.

I need to go to sleep now how to#

Read and share this infographic to get tips on how to get a good night's sleep.īeing older doesn’t mean you have to be tired all the time. No matter the reason, if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, the next day you may: Feeling sick or being in pain can make it hard to sleep. There are many reasons why older people may not get enough sleep at night. But, older people tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than they did when they were younger. Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as all adults-7 to 9 hours each night. Waking up every day feeling tired is a sign that you are not getting the rest you need. If you’re always sleepy or you find it hard to get enough sleep at night, it may be time to see a doctor. Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert. Just like Edward, you want a good night’s rest. He’s afraid that when he turns off his light, he will just lie there with his eyes open and his mind racing. Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleep-A Special ProblemĮver since he retired, Edward dreads going to bed at night.