In dealing with so many folks on Medicare, it isn’t difficult to notice patterns, especially medications and the ailments they are designed to “treat”.

 

Not pointing fingers, but I notice a number of clients that probably have trouble sleeping. Some have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), others (like me) are disturbed by muscle, joint and/or nerve pain . . . and some have challenges of unstated origin that necessitate a sleeping pill.

 

 

While it is easy to pop a pill for relief, sometimes lifestyle changes can produce results that equal, or may be superior, to pharmaceuticals.

 

One of my electronic newsletters was completely devoted to sleep issues. I was so impressed with the breadth of information I decided to share it with you and perhaps you will find it enlightening as well.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 67% of adults and only 22% of high-school-aged teens get sufficient sleep each night.

 

In a survey of Healthline readers, 3 out of 5 reported that they get only light sleep, and more than half experience pain or discomfort that interferes with their ability to fall or stay asleep.

 

https://www.healthline.com/sleep

 

“It’s recommended to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of sunlight in the morning hours and avoid blue light during the 2 hours leading to bedtime,” Cohen-Zion says. “This can make your sleep-wake cycle more robust and help you feel awake or sleepy just at the right time and place.”

 

 

“Too much blue light during the day has no impact on our sleep cycle,” says sleep psychologist Samina Ahmed Jauregui. “Too much blue light in the evening, however, can delay the onset of melatonin.”

 

“Melatonin is necessary to help us fall asleep. If delayed by blue light, you’re more likely to be up longer,” Jauregui says.

 

See also  . . . daytime naps, night time snacks, PM exercise, medication side effects and more . . . https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/you-may-be-sabotaging-your-sleep-schedule#medication

Getting enough sleep is necessary for various reasons, including maintaining your immune system, metabolic functions, and memories, as well as regulating your body weight.

 

 

Not getting enough sleep is linked to many adverse effects, including impaired focus and decision-making and an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

 

How much sleep you need depends on many different factors, including your age, genetics, and how well you sleep at night. However, 7–9 hours per night is ideal for most adults.

 

Getting poor quality or not enough sleep can increase your chances of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease

 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sleep-you-need#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3

Our most vivid dreams happen during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which happens in short episodes throughout the night about 90 to 120 minutes apart.

 

Most of your muscles become paralyzed during REM sleep to prevent you from acting out your dreams.

 

Most of us dream in color . . . the rest (about 12%) dream in black & white

 

 

Strange is OK . . . at least in your dream world

 

You’re more likely to have pleasant dreams if you’re experiencing low stress and feel satisfied in your real life.

 

Sex dreams are not common . . . approximately 4 percent of men and women’s dreams are about sex

 

Stomach sleepers have more fun . . . You’re more likely to dream about sex if you sleep facedown.

 

The monster under the bed isn’t real . . . but women have more nightmares than men during their adult years.

 

And . . . stress and conflict impact dreams, night time snacks and nightmares, pets have dreams too, swearing during sleep is common . . . https://www.healthline.com/health/facts-about-dreams#cool-facts

Mattress firm, medium or soft . . .

 

 

Mattress for back or hip pain . . .

 

Is a gel (foam) mattress right for you?

 

Pillows for back sleepers are not the same as side sleepers

 

Pillows that don’t go soft

 

Percale or polyester sheets?

 

CPAP machines

 

Ear plugs and sleep masks

 

https://www.healthline.com/reviews/sleep-products

No video this month. I have had other projects that took precedence . . . plus a video about sleep might put all of us to sleep.

 

I am working on retooling my marketing approach in order to reach more people. Some things are working well, while others seem a bit tired.

 

Referrals are still the best source of new clients but referrals are inconsistent . . . I like to have a steady stream of new prospects.

 

My hope is this month’s newsletter is helpful and informative. Feel free to share with your friends.

 

Pleasant dreams . . .

 

Bob