Banning Insomnia from your Retirement Years

Don't assume that a lack of sleep is part of getting older. Insomnia is not necessarily a fact of life as you head to retirement or old age. You need sleep just as much as you did when you were 20 years young. Sleep rejuvenates the body creating an alert brain and restful body. However, when you encounter sleeping problems there are steps you can take to combat the problem and regain a restful night's sleep.

Yes, some insomnia is a fact of life as you age. However, repeated sleepless episodes are not. Don't take this problem lying down. Examine your lifestyle from diet and exercise down to the pillow you use to pinpoint your problem.

Normal sleep habits of the older adult

Knowing what is normal in regards to sleep can help you more accurately pinpoint any insomnia issues. As you grow older, your body does not produce as many chemicals which tell your body when to sleep and when to wake. Certain hormones and substances like melatonin naturally decrease with age. Therefore, your internal clock gets reset and you find yourself in bed earlier and getting up earlier too.

Lighter sleep, staying asleep and frequent waking up is characteristic of most sleep routines as you age. This is fairly normal. What is not normal is staying up all night, not being able to even fall asleep, or getting enough sleep and still dragging the next day. These are signs of insomnia.

Medical conditions that cause insomnia

Many older adults have health problems which can contribute to insomnia. Chronic pain conditions like arthritis, cancer and osteoporosis can make falling asleep rather difficult. They can also wake up frequently because you cannot get comfortable.

Incontinence, diabetes, prostate trouble or urinary tract problem all will wake you up at night to go to the bathroom. Frequent potty trips can definitely interrupt sleep and making falling back asleep difficult.

Breathing difficulties due to asthma, hypertension, pulmonary disease and even sleep apnea can cause insomnia. Breathing issues can prevent you from falling into deep REM sleep, which is the cycle that promotes rest and healing.

Medications that cause insomnia

Many times, it is not the medical condition itself causing the sleep problems, it is the medication used to treat it. Decongestants for allergies and colds can make it difficult to fall asleep. Many hypertension drugs like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and even blood thinners can cause sleep problems.

Sometimes, it is a matter of timing. Ask your doctor if you can change your medication schedule. If you are drinking caffeine or even alcohol, these can adversely react with the medication, causing insomnia. Check with your doctor and read over the counter labels for other possible drug culprits.

Change in lifestyle

A new diet or exercise plan could be an issue with sleep problems. Your body may also not recognize when it is night and day. Therefore, you will want to get out more and experience the sunshine as well as sunsets. Your body will need to retrain to recognize night and day. A lack of physical activity could also account for insomnia. Have you changed your pillows or thread count on your sheets? Sometimes, the minutest changes can make a difference.

Solving the problem

You can try changing your diet and exercise routines. Aromatherapy works sometimes too. Relaxation techniques, warm baths and a cup of warm milk are options. However, some people's insomnia persists despite a number of changes or remedies. A doctor can help with your sleep problem through various sleep aids or sleep medication.

Keep chipping away at the problem until you find a solution to your insomnia. Don't give up and just accept less sleep and rest. There is a solution out there for you. You just have to find it.

Treatment Options for the Depressed Elderly Patient

Doctors may design a treatment plan that focuses on several key treatment options when addressing the needs of their elderly patients.

Treatments have been shown to be very effective for the older patient if the diagnosis is made early on in the depression. It must be noted that treatment does take longer to have an effect on the elderly and combating the potential increased risk for suicide must be addressed and headed off by any medical profession coming into contact with the elderly.

Treatment options are effective solo or in combination with each other. The various methods of treatment are as follows:

Antidepressants:

Medications in this category have been shown to be very effective in the treatment of depression in the elderly patient. The risk of potential side-effects or adverse reaction to other medications that they are taking is great and must be guarded against.

Caution must be exercised if prescribing any of the older antidepressants such as amitriptyline or imipramine as they can have a sedating effect that will cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to fainting and the risk for falls and fractures. A sudden drop in blood pressure is also not desired in the individual with a history of cardiac disease.

Psychotherapy:

Self-help or group therapy has been shown to be very effective in the older individual suffering from depression. Support from family and friends are also critical to the well-being of the depressed elderly individual. Psychotherapy is indicated when medications are refused or counterindicated. Drug therapy in combination with psychotherapy increases the effectiveness of the psychotherapy.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):

This treatment option can play an important role in the recovery process for those who are elderly and depressed. It is especially useful when an elderly individual is unable to take medications due to reactions with other drug therapy they are undergoing.

ECT involves sending electronic current through a portion of the brain for a brief period of time. This treatment option is usually utilized when the patient is faced with a life threatening depression or when the patient has no other options such as medications to turn to for relief or when medications have not been effective in bringing adequate relief.

The electrical stimulation from ECT causes an approximate 30 second seizure withing the brain. Several sessions of ECT are required to receive the desired benefit from the treatment.

ECT may cause some memory impairment following the treatments.

Difficulties Encountered With Treatment:

The generations of elderly patients that are currently being seen are those for whom the stigma of mental illness had the greatest impact. Mental illness among family members was hushed and ignored even to the point of shunning the depressed member. Mental illness was seen as a sign of weakness of character and not a disease. This stigma creates a hesitancy to report symptoms of depression or to seek medical attention. This puts pressure on the medical professional to recognize the signs and symptoms and then to initiate the conversation about the possibility of depression in a manner that will elicit the greatest possibility of success.

The lack of understanding regarding depression in the elderly and the successful cure rate also keeps people ignorant of the possibilities.

The elderly individual may also hesitate to contact a doctor regarding depression in fear of the potential medication cost. Many of our elderly citizens are already faced with an overwhelming prescription cost crisis and adding to it will be an understandable fear.

It should also be realized that any alcohol or other chemical substance abuse can severely hinder the effectiveness of depression medications.