The Sleep Problem You DON’T KNOW You Have
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 20, 2018
It doesn’t make much sense, does it?
You put your head on the pillow at night… you sleep for 8 hours or so… and you wake up feeling TOTALLY EXHAUSTED.
Almost like you didn’t sleep at all!
So what’s the problem?
Well, it turns out that many seniors are living with a serious sleep problem without even realizing it.
You could be one of them… and I’m going to show you EXACTLY what you can do.
Researchers have spent a lot of time investigating sleep in older people.
Their conclusion?
Older people have a reduced capacity to enter deep sleep stages.
That is: older people sleep, they just don’t sleep deeply.
This is a problem because those deep sleep stages are when our bodies recover and repair themselves.
Without good, deep sleep, people have:
- Increased pain sensations
- Cravings for carbs
- A tendency to be more emotional
- Trouble focusing and paying attention
In the elderly, lack of sleep can almost single-handedly create the same symptoms as dementia.
Getting deep sleep is essential to your health.
Here’s what you need to do: melatonin is the hormone partially responsible for those deep phases of sleep and it is easy to get more.
- Some foods contain melatonin (tomatoes, olives, cherries, etc.). You can try eating these at night, but it’s usually not enough to make a difference.
- Get out in the sun. Melatonin is produced when light hits our eyes, so the more sunshine you are exposed to, the more melatonin you produce.
I personally think that supplementing with melatonin is the best way to get what you are missing, especially if you are over the age of 50.
Take melatonin with some calming herbs (hops, passionflower, chamomile, etc.) and you have a recipe for a great night sleep.
It is also a good idea to make sleep important by:
- Sleeping in a dark room, using white noise like a fan or sound machine.
- Trying to go to be the same time every night.
- Getting off your screens (all of them) at least an hour or more before going to sleep – the light screens emit can alter your sleep pattern.
- Exercising, which makes your body more restful at night. If you can, exercise hard during the day – the harder the better.
- Replacing your coffee with green tea. Green tea contains an amino acid called theanine that helps keep you calm and improves sleep.
Do most older people not sleep well? Yes. But with these tips, you don’t have to be one of them.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk
Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...
Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure
Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...
The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety
Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...
Could Poor Sleep Be Hurting Your Brain?
If you’ve ever woken up groggy, unable to shake the brain fog, or struggling to focus, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep. Sleep apnea—a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep—affects nearly 936 million people globally. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. New research shows...
Mailbag: Inflammation-Fighting Protocol Clears Clogged Arteries
“I’m 70 years young and I would like to know if there is a natural treatment for clean arteries to prevent heart attack and cardiac problems. Thanks for your reply!” -Change of Heart Dear Change, I love how proactive you’re being about your heart health! Nature offers powerful solutions for keeping arteries clear and healthy....
Why Your Tech Troubles Might SAVE Your Brain
Ever feel like your smartphone is too smart for you? Or maybe you’ve struggled to figure out that new streaming device your kids gave you? Well, take heart. Those technology headaches are saving your brain cells. A groundbreaking new study suggests that spending hours figuring out your gadgets could be your best defense against cognitive...
Study Reveals the Dark Side of Sleep Meds
I’m sure you know by now that quality sleep is crucial for good health. Poor sleep, on the other hand, is linked to all kinds of health hazards, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. It’s the primary reason people opt to take sleep medications. But what if the pills you’re taking to...
Ancient Food Eases Modern Digestive Woes
If you turn up your nose at the pungent aroma of sauerkraut, you might want to reconsider. Because that tangy, fermented cabbage could be exactly what your gut needs to fight off inflammation and heal digestive issues. Research reveals that this humble food, enjoyed for centuries across the world, contains potent compounds that could shield...
One-Third of Dementia Cases Linked to This Treatable Condition
Dementia is on the rise—and the number of cases is expected to double by 2060. Most people focus on common risk factors like diet, exercise, or genetics. But one of the biggest threats to your brain health is something most of us take for granted… Until it starts to fade away. Worse yet, research shows...
Medications That Don't Mix Well with Coffee
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily Reader (and I certainly hope you are), I probably don’t need to tell you I’m a coffee fan. I regularly share information on coffee’s many health benefits—from boosting metabolism to reducing disease risk. But many don’t realize that cup of Joe can interact with common medications, sometimes reducing...