"The link between sound slumber and good health is indisputable. Study after study has shown that consistently racking up 7-9 hours of snooze time per night can rein in the risk of problems from depression to type 2 diabetes." William Kohler, M.D., medical director, Florida Sleep Institute
We know the importance of sleep, but how do we get it? Especially as we get older, and with the additional stress of caregiving, sleep is sometimes elusive. A couple nights ago my body felt agitated, like I had had too much caffeine - ( I had not had any), and I did not fall asleep until well after midnight; only to awaken at 4:00 a.m. unable to return to sleep. Dr. Kohler says that insomnia is often caused by underlying issues -- stress, acid reflux, and chronic pain -- which cannot be fixed quickly with sleep medications or devices (such as headband sensors, etc.) What does work is sticking to a bedtime routine, relaxation techniques and meditation, and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening. When those techniques do not work, Dr. Kohler suggests we see our doctor. And, it is important to remember, that the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep disorder is a characteristic of Lewy Bodies Dementia, and there are medications that can help with that.
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