Disturbed Sleep Linked To Poorer Daytime Function In Older Women

One of the first large-scale studies to examine the association of sleep behaviors, neuromuscular performance and daytime function in a community dwelling of older women finds that poorer sleep is associated with worse physical function in older women during the daytime, according to a study published in the October 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.

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Disturbed sleep can have significant effects on daytime performance if sleep loss occurs for several days without recovery sleep.

In older women, if eight hours sleep is restricted to five hours or less for as little as few days, their daytime performance deteriorates on tasks like memory, problem solving and reaction time. Disturbed sleep can also have the risk of occupational injuries. Daytime alertness will be decreased.

Disturbed sleep in older women:

Number of factors can affect older women’s sleep. Stress, changes in hormone levels, illness, and sleep environment can impact the sleep.

Psychological stress effects older woman’s sleep more than hormonal changes. Older women have to concentrate on job, social interactions and family.

Sleep disturbances are more common in menopausal women. Menopausal women wake up at night often and get tired during daytime. Hot flashes and night sweats linked to low estrogen levels contribute to disturbed sleep. During menopause stage, snoring becomes common. After menopause, women get less deep sleep and are more likely to be awake than during menopause stage.

Older women who consume alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other stimulating things have difficulty in falling asleep.

Anxiety and depression are common causes of disturbed sleep in older women. Anxiety [Get Rid of Anxiety] may weaken to fall asleep and depression [Conquering Depression] may cause awakenings in the early morning.

Treatment for disturbed sleep in older women:

Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep at the same time and get up in the morning at the same time with average sleep of seven to eight hours daily.
Avoid long daytime naps as they can prevent night time sleep.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine two to three hours before going to bed. Also avoid spicy foods at bedtime.
Do not take worries while going to bed. Leave the worries behind for a peaceful sleep.
Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark with minimum noise so that you will get the sleep easily.
Before going to bed, spend your time relaxing and engaging in calm and soothing activities.

There will be no side effects with this treatment because these are the lifestyle changes with which you can attain a peaceful sleep.