The CDC classifies insufficient sleep as a public health problem due to its link to car crashes, workplace accidents, occupational errors, and the detrimental effect on overall health and well-being. Current research shows a strong link between poor sleep hygiene (sleep hygiene is implementing good sleep habits and regular sleep) and high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke, and depression.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, more than one-third of adults over 65 take something to aid sleep, with one in 12 taking prescription medications according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, even though clinical guidelines often caution against long-term use of prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications, especially in older populations.
Prescription sleep medications do not always improve duration and quality of sleep due to underlying untreated issues like pain, restless leg syndrome, depression, anxiety. In older populations, prescription sleep medications put older patients at higher risk of:
falls
mental confusion
delirium
daytime sleepiness
Certain medications can exacerbate or cause insomnia and should also be considered a cause of insufficient sleep. All medications should be considered as a possible cause, such as taking diuretics before bed or late in the day. If diuretics are taken too late in the day, the patient will be getting up multiple times throughout the night to urinate. In this example, the answer could be as simple as taking the diuretic earlier in the day. Possible medications that can wreak havoc on your sleep include cold medications, steroids, and amphetamines.
One thing to keep in mind is that your sleep quality is far more important than sleep quantity. Follow these sleep hygiene guidelines adapted by the CDC from recommendations by the National Sleep Foundation:
go to bed at the same time each night
rise at the same time each morning
avoid large meals before bedtime
avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
avoid nicotine
If you are ready to get to the bottom of your sleeping problems, head over to Marlboro Drug Company today or schedule your virtual conversation with our head pharmacist, Tim Lee!