Healthremedy123.com – Many of the factors that cause insomnia in older men may be addressed with a change of lifestyle. For instance, older men may have fewer opportunities to get out of the house, and an uncomfortable bed and noisy environment can keep them awake at night. Lastly, some older men may just lie in bed watching TV. Watching television does not help them fall asleep because their minds remain alert to what is on the screen, and it can keep them awake for longer.
Effective Treatment for Older Men
There are many treatments for insomnia in older men, and a recent study has provided some promising results. One such therapy focuses on promoting a healthier lifestyle and enhancing physical and mental health. In addition to focusing on behavioral changes, this therapy is also an effective treatment for older men. A study published in the Australasian Journal of Ageing found that implementing these strategies helped more than 70 percent of the study’s participants achieve a higher quality of sleep.
Another research study found that regular exercise can help with insomnia in older men. Researchers from Brazil, France, and Canada investigated the relationship between exercise and sleep quality. These researchers found that more physical activity during the daytime improved sleep quality in older men. This was not true for other studies, including the study by DUKKEDAL-SILVA, MORELHAO, and PIRES. The researchers analyzed whether exercising increased sleep quality and decreased the risk of falls. The study found no evidence that exercise alone can improve the quality of sleep in older men.
There are several reasons why sleepiness in older men persists. Many factors contribute to late-life insomnia, including the aging of the patient, the onset of sleep, and other psychiatric conditions. A thorough evaluation and diagnosis is required to pinpoint the source of the problem. Thankfully, nonpharmacological approaches have proven to be effective. The nonpharmacological treatments for insomnia in older men are highly effective and have long-term benefits.
Identifying Factors That Cause Insomnia in the Elderly
The study objective was to identify factors that cause insomnia in community-dwelling older adults. Common symptoms of insomnia include difficulty initiating sleep, frequent awakening, and early morning waking. The participants were surveyed via questionnaires to measure these factors and their severity. The questionnaires also included questions about physical health, sociodemographics, and behavioral factors. Interestingly, nearly 70% of men and seventy percent of women reported at least one of these symptoms, with DMS being the most common among both genders.
The causes of insomnia in the elderly are many and often treatable. Physical causes of insomnia include heart and respiratory problems, chronic pain, urinary tract infections, prostate and bladder problems, and epilepsy. Lower levels of education and reduced physical activity can also contribute to insomnia. This problem can also be caused by environmental factors, such as low physical activity or reduced social support. And, of course, insomnia can be a symptom of many other illnesses.
Some people with insomnia are prone to snoring. If you sleep with your partner, try getting earplugs, or using a white noise machine to reduce the noise. And, if you’re worried about sleep, try implementing a relaxing bedtime ritual to reduce the amount of anxiety you feel before going to bed. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are effective strategies for winding down before bed. Avoid taking sleeping pills or alcohol as these will only make the problem worse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Herbal Medicine
Cognitive behavioral therapy and herbal remedies are also effective options for chronic insomnia. But, it is imperative to use these medications under a physician’s supervision and address the underlying causes of insomnia. Also, a pharmacist should address sleep hygiene, non-medical causes, and psychiatric issues. Regardless of whether herbal or natural supplements are used, it is important to follow the recommended dosage. In addition, natural products should be discouraged from use in the first place.
In one study, researchers compared the effects of listening to music before bedtime to exercising or participating in organized social activities. Participants of both groups reported having difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep. The study found that the former group of participants had fewer problems with insomnia than the latter. Even more, those who exercised on a regular basis had a shorter sleep time. These changes in their sleep patterns may have a negative effect on their overall health and wellbeing.
Reference:
ROEHRS, Timothy; ROTH, Thomas. Insomnia pharmacotherapy. Neurotherapeutics, 2012, 9.4: 728-738.
