As we age, many us complain that we don’t sleep as well or as soundly as we did when we were younger. Here are some of things that may be keeping us up at night:
1. Too much TV or computer time before bed - Most of the screens on our electronic devices emit what is known as “blue light.” The type of light suppresses the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. So, turn off the tablet, smartphone or TV an hour or two before bedtime
2. Too much caffeine – Okay, so you know enough not to drink coffee before bedtime. But you may not be aware of the presence of caffeine in some many other substances, such as chocolate, tea or soft drinks. Check the ingredients of anything you eating or drinking after dinner.
3. Lack of schedule – When many of us have retired or geared down to an irregular work schedule, we may let our daily schedule go by the wayside. Your body is most definitely a creature of habit. Going to bed at different times may mean confusing it, resulting in difficulty falling asleep.
4. Taking too many activities to bed – Do you like to read or watch Tv while you’re under the covers? Not good for your sleep habits. Do those activities from an easy chair in the living room or den and leave the bed for sleep.
We’ll have more tips in the near future. In the meantime, sleep tight!
