Disrupted sleep becomes a common complaint with aging...and whether it's losing minutes due to having to get up to use the toilet more frequently. or losing hours with adrenaline pumping and mind racing, or anything in between…insufficient sleep is not only frustrating, but is now considered a health hazard with a number of possible effects. Chronic lack of sleep has been correlated to lowered immunity, adrenal fatigue, weight gain (due to increased carbohydrate cravings and slower metabolism function), depression, reduced glucose tolerance, hormonal imbalances and fluctuating cortisol levels.

 

CAUSES OF DISRUPTED SLEEP WITH AGING

 

Many things can contribute to the experience of sleep disruption as we age: consuming alcohol, sugary drinks, or caffeine, watching TV or looking at a computer screen too close to the time you want to sleep can be factors.  However, suffering from chronic disrupted sleep with aging is often a result of unmitigated stress. Stress and adrenal function affect sleep patterns due to the influence they have on the cortisol (a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland) which should ideally be rising and falling throughout the night's sleep pattern. When in a state of stress, excess cortisol is released signaling the body to increase alertness and anxiety (the flight or fight syndrome) which are not compatible with restful sleep.

 

HOW TO COMBAT STRESS IN ORDER TO SLEEP LIKE A BABY

 

Developing a lifestyle with stress releasing habits like the following can help to combat the effects of stress. Here are a few ideas:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overconsumption of fluids too close to bedtime
• Develop a routine to relax you – a bath, a book, a facial routine
• Some find exercising at night aids in a good night's sleep – just give yourself time to wind down afterwards
• If you have a lot of things bouncing around in your head that are weighing on you, take a few minutes to write them down so you know you will not forget them, then give them to God and trust that you will have all that you need to deal with them in the morning.
• Supplement with a natural sleep aid like melatonin which regulates sleep cycles. [More on natural sleep aids…]
• Supplement with adaptogens, bioactive substances that serve as "stress vaccines" by aiding the body's stress response and helping to support healthy levels of cortisol. [More on adaptogens and stress…]

 

 In conclusion, if any of these options appeal to you to incorporate into your life--or you come up with your own ways, one thing is for sure:  getting more solid sleep will improve the quality of your life health and life, make you less susceptible to disease and aid in weight control. Don't stay a victim to disrupted sleep anymore!