Sleep Disorders and Healthy Aging



The US studies has shown that around 70% of the citizens do not get the proper rest they need. For this reason, people are suffering poor health, depression and so on. Getting proper rest will help you keep your health in good condition. When you lack proper rest, it affects your concentration. To stay health you need proper rest, sustenance and exercise daily.

As a person ages the body goes through senescence, or changes out of the ordinary. The bodily functions start to decline its actions. For that reason we may suffer, sleep disorders, including insomnia.

What you should know:

According to philosophers, theorists, experts, etc women are likely to experience insomnia more so than men. While many citizens find it difficult to fall asleep, some of us suffer insomnia, which is harder on our health. On the other hand, if you sleep too much during wake hours, it will affect your concentration, impair your memory and cause other problems as well, such as sleeping at night. If you get too much sleep, just like insomnia you may incur high blood pressure. Heart disease and strokes are commonly caused from insufficient or oversleeping as well. You should also learn about Sleep Apnea, which is a common sleep disorder. This disorder is harder to detect than any other sleeping ailment. Sleep apnea is often noted by sleeping partners. Doctors can rarely detect the disorder until a sleeping partner comes forward. The disorder causes the person to wake up all through the night gasping for air. During the day hours, the person often drifts into sleep uncontrollably.

The factors behind sleep disorders:

Sleep disorders, which causes interruption of restful relaxation can alter your internal organs. Your patterns and rhythms may change often. Your bodily functions will flip out and feel confused, causing a series of interruptions. You may experience joint and muscle pain, especially at the legs, or you may snore at night. The factors can lead to high risks of illnesses, depression, etc. To avoid such complications you will need to reduce stress and perhaps seek help for your sleep disorder.

What should I avoid?

When you find it difficult to sleep, try staying away from caffeine after 7 p.m. Avoid nicotine and alcohol also before going to sleep. If you find it difficult to drift into sleep, try counting sheep. This will bore your mind watching visual captures of sheep jumping over a fence repetitiously. Some people can fall asleep watching television. If it works for you do it. If you are one of those people who listen to music and television and it starts your adrenaline flowing, then leave it alone. You want to avoid eating or exercise before heading to bed as well. Exercise will boost metabolism. Eating may cause indigestion.

Helpful tips:
If you find it difficult to sleep at night, try adjusting the room temperature, especially if you feel uncomfortable. Turn out the lights so that the room is dark, unless you need a night light due to consistent waking at night due to restroom visits. If you are afraid of the dark, keep in mind that burglars can easily trip in dark areas verses lighted areas. This gives you the advantage of calling for help, since you are aware that someone is in your home. If the lights are on, you are inviting the burglar to stroll freely, tip-toeing through the house without awakening you. This country unfortunately teaches us to run to a lighted area when in danger. Sometimes the light can get you killed.

If you find it difficult to sleep at night, you will likely need medical attention, especially if the problem is on going.

Elderly Depression Goes Untreated - Why?



Depression is a disease that affects and occurs in the person's brain. Studies have shown that effective treatment for depression changes the brain. Despite the knowledge we have gained from depression studies many caregivers and medical professionals are still of the opinion that depression in those who are 65 years of age or older, "is to be expected" and treat signs of depression in the elderly as a normal part of aging. Depression is a disease of the brain, pure and simple. Just like younger depression patients respond to treatment and lead improved lives; elderly patients who are diagnosed and treated for depression also lead improved lives.

Depression hurts mentally, emotionally and physically. Depression can also in of itself be a symptom for other diseases or conditions. Because both of these are true about depression no matter the age of the patient anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms of depression should be evaluated and treated for depression. It is in the best interest of the patient to receive quality medical evaluation and treatment for depression so that they can enjoy the best quality of life possible. Those aged 65 or older deserve to live healthy lives where they can feel a sense of well-being just as those who are younger are entitled to.

Symptoms of depression should not be ignored in the elderly patient. The signs and symptoms of depression may signal another disease or condition, which presents another reason to not ignore, but to evaluate instead. The signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly patient are:

* Unusual fatigue not explained by other situations or events

* Fixation of thought or action on death

* Increased use of alcohol or drugs

* Loss of Self-worth

* Withdrawal from activities or friendships

* Changes in weight that is not expected such as loss or gain

* Disturbances in what is normal sleep patterns for them such as not being able to drop off to sleep or waking frequently during the night. It may also show up as oversleeping or daytime sleepiness

* Unexplained aches and pains

* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety or despair

* Loss of pleasure in things or activities that usually would bring them enjoyment

* Movement that is slower than usual with no physical explanation

* Unusual irritability

* Lack of interest in personal hygiene or skipping medications or meals - In other words neglecting self-care

The elderly may not admit to feeling sad or depressed. Caregivers, family members and friends may notice outward signs that they are feeling this way when they notice that they show a low level of motivation, lower than normal energy level or even the appearance of physical problems. Often times physical complaints of arthritic pain, headaches and other body aches that have gotten worse than previously felt can be a sign that the person is indeed feeling depressed. Physical signs of depression such as wringing of hands, pacing around the room, fretting about life events such as the state of the world, their health or finances can also be a clue that they may be depressed.