Sleep Disorders Hinder Healthy Aging

Sleep disorders seem to increase as we age. Common expressions like, I'll sleep on it, suggest that people understand how important a good night's sleep is to our emotional well being and overall health. Yet a recent Gallup poll that was given to senior citizens produced some disturbing results. 80 precent of the survey takers reported that they understood how important adequate sleep was to their health. However, 53 percent of those people who reported sleep problems to their doctors, said that they never got any treatment. The study raised concerns that the medical community does not take sleep problems seriously.

The International Longevity Center (ILC) reported on the study. I am not affiliated with that organization, but you can find their website at ILCUSA.org. That organization is concerned with the quality of life, as well as extending life. They promote the idea that a good night's sleep can allow the body time to heal and reduce anxiety, which all contribute to better health and shorter recovery periods.

One thing you can do is seek treatment from a medical provider. However, solutions may even be simpler. Have you tried a warm bath at bedtime, a cup of hot, herbal tea, or a glass of warm milk? These old standbys may be all a person needs to relax enough so the sandman can be invited in. If you do not have a problem with drinking a half a glass of wine, that can also be the soothing reward at the end of the day that will make your bed seem inviting.

Tissue salts are natural minerals which are found in everybody's body. As we age, and eat imperfect diets, our bodies can lose the balance of these minerals. The mineral difficiency can actually cause some of the inability to relax, or even aches, that contribute to sleep loss. Some people have had a great experience curing their sleep problems by using natural and inexpensive tissue salts. A lot of people who have health conditions that prevent them from taking other medications, can take the natural tissue salts because they are simply minerals that are found in good diets and our bodies anyway.

If you do have problems sleeping, please consider the fact that it may be contributing to other health conditions, and even emotional imbalances. You should take steps to help yourself get to sleep, either through natural means, changes in your routine, or with the help of a medical professional who will listen to your problems.