The Defy Aging Newsletter

Anti-aging psychology, holistic health, and wellness

a biweekly e-mail newsletter for helping you think, feel, look, and be more youthful and live with purpose.

November 8, 2007 Number 175

This issue:

Sleep Myths

ACTION TO TAKE

Dump the myth that aging brings poor sleep. Keep yourself healthy and look forward to a good night's sleep at every age.

WHY

Sleep researchers have "known" for years that seniors don't sleep as well as younger adults. Recent research, however found that it isn't necessarily so. Compared to the sleep of teenagers and young adults, adults ages 30-60 slept a half hour to an hour less, had a little lighter sleep, and were more likely to wake up. After 60 there was little change in sleep patterns in healthy adults.

So where did the myth come from? While healthy seniors sleep like middle aged adults, seniors with disabilities, aches, pains, and medications are more likely to have sleep problems. Especially prevalent sleep interrupters are sleep apnea, chronic pain, restless leg syndrome, and urinary problems. Of course, poor sleep tends to further aggravate health problems.

The good news is if you stay healthy, you are likely to sleep well at every age.

Quotes

Sleep is the best meditation.

~The Dali Lama

Only when one cannot sleep does one know how long the night is.

~Chinese proverb

Humor

A friend suggested counting sheep might help with insomnia. I counted 10,000 sheep, sheared them, combed the wool, had it spun into cloth, made into suits, took it to town, and lost $20 on the deal. I haven't slept in a week.

~source unknown

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THE DEFY AGING NEWSLETTER

Anti-Aging Psychology

Holistic Health and Wellness

This newsletter article may be reprinted in E-zines, newsletters, newspapers, and magazines provided the content is not edited and the attribution below is given. Formatting may be changed and you may use one of the web site pictures of the author to accompany the article.

"Dr. Michael Brickey, The Anti-Aging Psychologist, teaches people to think, feel, look and be more youthful. He is an inspiring keynote speaker and Oprah-featured author. His works include:  Defy Aging, 52 baby steps to Grow Young, and Reverse Aging (anti-aging hypnosis CDs). Visit www.NotAging.com for a free report on anti-aging secrets and a free newsletter with practical anti-aging tips."