Natural remedies to combat insomnia

Everyone needs their sleep, but not everyone is easily able to go to bed every night. Millions of Americans suffer from insomnia from time to time. Throughout our lives, sleep patterns and needs may change, and we may actually need more sleep as we age. In many cases, insomnia among seniors has been linked to more serious health problems, including memory loss and depression. If you find yourself lying awake at night, here are a few natural remedies for insomnia to try:

Senior fitness
Exercise has been linked to a number of health benefits, including getting better sleep at night. In fact, sleep also has an impact on the way we exercise, recent studies have shown. It's important to note that it may take some time before exercise has an effect on combating insomnia. However, sticking to a regular routine has been shown to work well.

Drink more water
Staying hydrated will help your body in a number of ways and improve senior nutrition. Unfortunately, too many people don't drink enough water throughout the day. If you have a hard time falling asleep, it might be your body telling you that you are dehydrated. Drink more water to keep your body functioning to its best ability so you can relax at night.

Read a book
Bright lights have been shown to keep us awake longer, so if you like to watch TV before hitting the hay, consider switching to reading instead with a low-light reading lamp. Reading can make you more relaxed and help you feel sleepier sooner than the brightness and noise of a television.

Block out distractions
One major reason people have trouble falling asleep is that there are too many distractions in the home. If you are easily woken by noises or light, consider using a sleep mask or ear plugs to silence the outside world and relax. When in a relaxed state, it is much more likely you will fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

Nightly tips
When you go to sleep, be sure to avoid caffeinated beverages for at least a few hours beforehand. Also check to see if any of your prescription medications could be causing your insomnia and ask your doctor about other side effects.

To maximize your Senior Health Insurance benefits, visit MySeniorHealthPlan.com for quick, simple and easy information.