People wake up about four times per night, on average. Most fall back to sleep quickly like nothing happened, and it isn’t a problem. But as age goes up, the number of awakenings can, too.
Older adults spend more time in the earlier, lighter sleep stages and less time in the deeper sleep stages. This makes them far more susceptible to stimuli that could lead to sleep disturbance.
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Some of the common causes of awakenings include:
Noises: Traffic, creaks, partner’s movements, etc., can all create noise that can wake you up. An easy and effective fix is earplugs, which can reduce the sound that disrupts sleep.
Light: Light from the moon, streetlights, or even your clock can cause you to wake up. Eyeshades, also known as sleep masks, can be a calming and effective tool to remedy this problem. As far as fit goes, you want it loose enough so your eyelashes don’t rub against it.
Bathroom: Even though your body is timed to release most urine during the day, you may still have to get up during sleep to relieve yourself. You can limit the number of times you get up to pee by reducing fluid intake in the evenings and avoiding caffeine for 6 hours before bed time. Limiting evening alcohol is also a good idea.
If you wake up at night, give yourself time to fall back asleep. Don’t just reach for your phone, turn on the TV, or start reading.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
