Does It Take You 2 Days To Get 8 Hours Sleep?

Sleep, Sleep wonderful sleep, getting a good night’s sleep does wonders for your body and mind. After a good night’s sleep, your mind is more focused you think clearer and your brain is more alert. Your body feels stronger and you have more energy to keep you going through your day. A good 8 hours of sleep does a body good. A good night’s sleep helps improve concentration and memory formation, allows your body to repair any cell damage that occurred during the day, and refreshes your immune system, which in turn helps to prevent disease. 

But as we age we find it harder to get a good 8 hours of sleep. There is a misconception that as we age we don’t need as much sleep as we did when we were younger, actually, we need just as much. But as we age it seems we just don’t get enough sleep and there are many reasons for that. In general, sleep becomes more fragmented and lighter with an increase in the number of arousals and awakenings. 

Common sleep changes in older adults include:

• Getting tired earlier in the evening.
• Waking up early in the morning.
• Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep.
• Having insomnia, which is a condition that makes it hard to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

it is my belief many people have a hard time sleeping at night because they become less active during the day, that’s why developing an exercise routine is very important. If you take a nap during the day you’ll find it harder to sleep at night.

The National Institute On Aging has a list of things you should do to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Here are some ideas:

• Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when you are traveling.
• Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening, if you can. Naps may keep you awake at night.
• Develop a bedtime routine. Take time to relax before bedtime each night. Some people read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath.
• Try not to watch television or use your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom. The light from these devices may make it difficult for you to fall asleep. And alarming or unsettling shows or movies, like horror movies, may keep you awake.
• Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible.
• Use low lighting in the evenings and as you prepare for bed.
• Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.
• Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime—they can keep you awake.
• Stay away from caffeine late in the day. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate) can keep you awake.
• Remember—alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep.

And remember everyone is different, you may not need 8 hours of sleep to function normally. I usually sleep 6-7 hours a night. I’m usually in bed between 10 – 10:30 and up at 5:30 ready to start my daily exercise routine. I haven’t used an alarm clock in years, that is just how my bodyclock works. I also take melatonin at night to help me get a good night’s sleep.