Not Getting Enough Sleepat Age 50 and AboveBy Rolando Alagde

Sleep is vital to our health and well being.Too often we as an individual or our beliefs are the reason why we do not get enough sleep.

First let me tackle the issue of what a problem is, for me one has a problem if:

1. There is a difference between what should be happening and what is actually happening.

2. Cause is unknown.

3. There is a need to find the cause because it has a detrimental effect on you.

So let me start by asking “Who says you have a sleeping problem; technically you can answer it; it’s not a problem unless it affects you and it drags you down during your waking hours”. How much time should you be sleeping, and what is the amount of time you actually spend dozing-off? And finally what are its causes?

Diversions keep us away from sleep, late night shows, the internet, caffeine, 24 hours convenience stores keeps us active even at sleeping hours, get those diversions out of your life.

Frustration, forcing yourself to sleep during the night keeps you awake and anxious, if you feel sleeplessness, relax, read a book, tell yourself a pleasant story, reminisce a happy moment, drink a glass of milk or do anything that you feel will make you sleep.

Leave your worries outside, write all those things that keeps you thinking hard on a piece of paper, place it in an envelope and leave it outside the bedroom or burn it, rituals are important part of making life liveable.

Believe in yourself, in your power to keep control of your destiny but subordinate it to a higher power that gives you strength, pray before you go to bed.

Some people sleep in the most awkward position e.g. upside down,

on a bed of nails

in my country sleeping under the tree on a wooden or bamboo slat bed (papag)

But kidding aside do not be driven by what others think you should do, but find the peace and tranquillity in your own choices.

Some people believe in Eastern and other relaxation practices, yoga, massage, power naps, aromatherapy or even sleeping potions if it can help, why not?

Others can sleep in a romantic environment, regulated lighting conditions, or by piping in soft music into the sleeping chamber.

In the end, the answer to your sleeping problem is how you address it......