HealthE-zine is going on summer vacation for the month of August. Publication will resume on September 1, 2000. As people grow older, changes occur in our sleep patterns. We take longer to fall asleep, spend less time in deep sleep, wake more frequently during the night and then take longer to fall back asleep. Some scientists say this reduced sleep may reflect the natural aging of the body's sleep system, but other factors can affect sleep.
Stress caused by bereavement, loneliness, finances and ill health can contribute to sleeplessness.
But he says that you don't need to go through the program to improve your sleeping skills. Sleeping pills, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine should all be avoided. Non-drug approaches prove more effective for chronic insomnia, without side effects. Forcing yourself to get up at the same time every day, regardless of when you go to sleep, will help regulate your sleep rhythm. And stop watching TV in bed, as this practice trains your mind NOT to fall asleep there.