Baby Boomer Insomniacs – Help is on the Way!

Are you one of the 20 million Americans who feel that it’s become “the norm”, as well as a frequent topic of conversation at parties and events, that in this day and age it’s impossible for anyone over 40 to get a good night’s sleep? Are you wishing that someone had told you about this before you got here, so that you could have stocked up on your sleep in your 30′s?

All the experts tell us that we need 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night, but as my Guru used to say, our minds are like monkeys – actually, drunken monkeys – who’ve been given too much coffee – you get the idea… It’s difficult for most of us to turn down the volume switch on our minds and get the sleep that we need. Let’s take a look at the problems associated with not getting 8 hours of restful sleep each night, and some things you can do about it.

Firstly, sleep deprivation can raise your blood pressure, and we Boomers sure have enough of that already! Secondly, insomnia can cause memory problems, weight gain and headaches. Thirdly, well, if these reasons aren’t already enough to try some of my techniques, then perhaps you should be talking with Dr. Phil…

Guided Meditation – There are almost as many guided meditation audios and downloads on the market today as tea in China. With listening corners in every store and on-line, you can usually sample a track before purchasing, I recommend testing out a few. When you hear something that makes your body relax – even just a little, pick it up! Belleruth Naparstek has some really great recordings for anyone who may be facing surgery, or dealing with cancer or other illnesses. Guided meditations are done sitting or lying comfortably with arms and legs relaxed, and eyes closed. The best of these guided meditations will talk you through a whole body relaxation exercise first and then take you off to never, never land. Now, it’s ok if you fall asleep during the meditation; it’s usually because your body knows that’s what it needs, so don’t worry or try to fight it if that happens. If you try the meditation during the day to relax yourself, simply set your watch alarm to gently wake you at the end of 20 minutes. If you listen before bed, pleasant dreams!

Magnesium – Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to sleeping disorders, anxiety, irritability, and restless leg syndrome. Make sure your daily vitamins include the recommended 400 mg of magnesium. Eating foods rich in magnesium like legumes, dark leafy green vegetables, wheat bran, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, and whole grains can help to reduce your insomnia.

Try these tips for yourself. You’ll have spent little or no money, have more energy, and you won’t be nearly as grumpy!

Best of Health,

Kathi


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