Doctor's Advice for an 87 year old lacking sleep

Dear Dr. Gott: I am an 87-year-old male in good health for my age. My main problem is sleep, or rather, a lack of it. I get the most sleep in a La-Z-Boy chair because when I get into bed, I can't stay more than a few minutes most times. I get up to go to my chair, get two or three hours sleep, wake up, go to bed, and ultimately get a couple of hours sleep.

My doctor can't say what is wrong.

Dear Reader: There are countless reasons for an interruption in sleep. Do you eat your dinner later in the evening and finish with a piece of chocolate, cup of coffee or caffeine-containing products? Is your bedroom dark and quiet, or do you tend to sleep with a television or radio on? Do you use the time when you get into bed to problem-solve or go over issues of the day? Are you on any medications that could have an effect on your sleep patterns? Is there something in the bedroom that you find distracting that makes your recliner more comforting? Do you go to bed at the same time each evening, or does the schedule vary? You may not be ready to fall asleep and stay asleep, preferring quiet activity such as reading for a short time before calling it a night. Review your activities to determine whether a pattern develops that might provide an answer.

Perhaps you have restless legs syndrome, an annoying condition that interrupts sleep and literally forces a person to move his or her legs when in bed. Perhaps the elevation of the foot of the recliner allows your legs to relax. If this is the case, a wedge placed at the foot of the bed to prop your legs up might do the trick.

There are countless sleep aids available over the counter; however, speak with your physician first and seek an opinion regarding melatonin. This sleep aid appears safe when taken according to the manufacturer's directions.

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About Over the counter Sleep Aids

Overview
Anyone suffering from insomnia understandably may be tempted to turn to sleep aids. They can be helpful in the short term, but sleep aids should be used sparingly and only as needed.

Types
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is the main ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping pills, according to Harvard Medical School. This includes name-brand sleep aids like Tylenol PM and Excedrin PM as well as Alka-Seltzer PM, Simply Sleep, Unisom and Sominex, the latter of which is an alternative to allergy medicine Benadryl. Many---but not all---over-the-counter sleep aids also contain a pain reliever.

Side Effects
Over-the-counter sleep aids do carry the risk of side effects. Some of most common side effects are dizziness, daytime drowsiness, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and reduced alertness.

Older Adults
Sometimes falling sleep becomes more difficult with age. According to helpguide.org, however, older adults must be cautious when taking over-the-counter sleep aids, as they've been associated with nighttime falls and injuries. Taking naps may be a better alternative for seniors. If taking a sleep aid is absolutely necessary, it's best to start with a smaller-than-recommended dosage.

Drawbacks
Dr. David White, director of the sleep disorders division at Brigham and Young Women's Hospital, notes that over-the-counter antihistamines tend to dry out the nose and mouth and also have a tendency cause lingering grogginess during daytime hours. Helpguide.org adds that some people become dependent on over-the-counter sleep aids and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking medication.

Herbal Supplements
Troubled sleepers can consider taking natural sleep remedies, which are widely available at health food and nature stores as well as on the shelves of many well-stocked grocery stores. Choices range from melatonin to valerian. Drinking green tea---which contains GABA-elevating L-theanine---is another consideration, according to wholeliving.com.

Restocore Popularity Sweeping as Best Over the Counter Sleep Aids

Do you know that the National Sleep Foundation has revealed that key stress factors have prompted a 7% increase in prescribed sleeping medications dispensed since 2007? Because of this, many people are choosing to place their trust in safe, non habit-forming and side effect free sleep aids, like Restocore, which is currently becoming the best over the counter sleep aids. To know more about Restocore read the article below.

More Americans are suffering from sleeping pattern disturbances, according to recent statistics that have been released. The amount of people in the US who are taking prescribed meds to sleep better at night has drastically increased over the past few years. But many are now turning to the power of all-natural sleep-aids, like Restocore, to balance their body's rhythm and sleeping patterns, because unlike prescription drugs - the usages of which are marred by side effects, addictiveness and difficulty waking up, or grogginess - natural sleep-aids don't rely upon risky chemicals to induce sleep, and they don't have any known drug interactions.

According to a recent news article that was published in the Sun Times on October 8th of 2009, the article purports that there has been a whopping 30% rate of documented sleeping pattern disturbances in the US population this decade--as well as a 7% overall increase in medications being dispensed since 2007.

"In these stressful times, nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population complains of disturbed sleep patterns, according to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation. And sales of sleep medications are on the rise - 56,287,000 prescriptions were dispensed last year, a 7 percent increase since 2007, data from IMS Health shows." (Source: Sun Times, 10/08/2009)

Gillian Fallows, Restocore spokesperson, contests that this rise in sleeping disturbances is commonly attributed to the amounts of rising stress in a society that is facing a turbulent economy and far greater stresses on the home front in recent times.

"More people are stressing over getting their bills paid on time, assuring that they will arrive at work the next day and still have their jobs, and many are experiencing much higher levels of stress overall than we saw during the 90s--a relatively calmer decade by comparison," Fallows says.

Stress and anxiety are often paralleled with insomnia, according to Fallows.

"When the mind is stressed and overwhelmed, quite often this can inhibit sleeping patterns, leading to bouts of insomnia, and this can just make dealing with your situation that much worse," Fallows explains. "With all-natural Restocore, the body doesn't have to rely upon potentially dangerous and expensive drugs to induce sleep, it comes naturally, safely and affordably, in a simple, over-the-counter supplement that truly works!"

Restocore is a breakthrough natural cure for insomnia that utilizes the science of nature to naturally-induce a healthy sleeping pattern and cycle by using high-quality and non habit-forming ingredients to combat insomnia and restless nights.

Restocore incorporates effective ingredients such as Melatonin and Valerian Root that are proven to relax the body and naturally induce sleep, as well as the perfect combination of Serotain, Passion Flower, and Chamomile, which work naturally to synchronize the daily patterns and rhythm of the body.

Most people report significant results within the first two to four weeks of daily usage, when used as directed.

You can learn more about this revolutionary, all-natural and non habit-forming sleep-aid at: http://www.Restocore.com.

About Restocore:

· Developed by Pharmaxa Labs--a leading nutraceutical company

· Utilizes all-natural, high-quality and non habit-forming ingredients to combat insomnia and restless nights

· Incorporates effective ingredients such as Melatonin and Valerian root that are effective in relaxing the body and inducing sleep

· Contains the perfect combination of Melatonin, Valerian, Serotain, Passion Flower, and Chamomile--which work naturally to synchronize the daily patterns and rhythm of the body

· A non habit-forming, scientifically-proven, all-natural remedy for insomnia, sleeping disorders, and sleep deprivation symptoms that doesn't cause any potentially harmful, adverse side effects

· Developed as the most scientifically-advanced, cutting-edge, non-prescription sleep-aid product available today

· Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your day, not drugged and groggy

· 100% safe, effective and all-natural

· Visit them online for generous discounts off retail pricing and to learn more at: http://www.Restocore.com

Sleepless Nights

My friend Mary called one morning last week. At least, I think it was Mary. We were both a little fuzzy around the edges, not having slept well (i.e., at all). It could have been any one of a dozen women I know who haven't gotten a good night's sleep in years. We're like the walking dead. Chalk it up to age, I guess, and plummeting hormonal levels. We regularly discuss a common willingness to sell our souls for eight hours of uninterrupted shut-eye. (Listen up, Lucifer. The crossroads at midnight: Name your terms.)

"I'm considering acupuncture," said Mary. It seems somebody she knew took this route and thought it helped.

That's a drastic measure, in my estimation, but desperation drives us to extremes. So far, nothing has worked for me. I've tried a succession of herbal teas and supplements, over-the-counter sleep aids and prescription drugs. All had the curious effect of inducing varying degrees of grogginess, but not sleep. The next day I'd walk around in a stupor. It's like living in a twilight zone, never all the way awake or asleep.

"Do you think you're depressed?" asked my doctor.

To be honest, I'm just mostly tired - frazzled, sleep-deprived and ready to snap. So yeah, that's depressing.

It's interesting that it seems to be mostly women who, somewhere along the line, lose the ability to sleep on a regular basis. Most of us used to take it for granted that sleep would happen most nights. Now it seems like a gift.

Men, though, are another story. They can nod off at the drop of a hat, night or day, no problem.

"It's because we are pure of heart and have a clean conscience," my cousin Dennis says smugly. (Next time he falls asleep on the sofa I mean to beat him senseless.)

My friend Mike admits he's on my wavelength, sleeping at two-hour intervals, reading and calculating the remaining hours until daybreak. At his house, it's his wife who sleeps through the night without a glitch. Which leads me to put forward a theory about sleep patterns.

Rarely do both husband and wife get a dandy night's sleep or lie awake wide-eyed. It's as if for each household there's an appointed allotment of sleep hours. If one partner hogs all the sleep, then the other person might as well just forget about it. Get up and organize the sock drawer, brew a cup of chamomile and try not to wish evil upon your sleeping spouse.

If you're the lucky one in your house, well goody for you. If you're awake all night, know that you are not alone. There are legions of us out here, a veritable Insomniac Nation. Don't cross us. We're on the edge.

This article is from www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com

Best Over the Counter Sleep Aids for You

Are you looking for the best over the counter sleep aid so that you can get some sleep tonight finally? Did you know that there is a natural way to get to sleep that works great and will not harm your body at all? There are ways to get to sleep and you do not need a doctor to give you pills or anything that is going to cause you harm. Here is what you need to know.

One of the first things you have to understand is why your body needs this sleep so much. Those that struggle to get to sleep understand that they are tired, but on top of not getting sleep they have very sparatic sleeping patterns. This is not good for your body and this can cause you a lot of harm. Your body neeeds the sleep and needs to get to sleep on a regular basis.

The next thing you need to know is that the best over the counter sleep aid is actually found on the internet and it is completely natural. This is the best way to go because when you use something natural to get you to sleep you will be better off because it will not cause harm to your body. Plus you can get to sleep and wake up much better with the best over the counter sleep aid online than if you use something from a doctor.

Also, you should know that if you use some type of pill from your doctor you will get to sleep, but you will not get the good sleep you need. You could end up sleep walking or becoming hooked to the pill, which is not good for you. This is why a natural sleep aid is much better for you and it will reprogram your body to sleep on its own so that you don't have to take it forever.

Now to discover the Top Free Trial Offer Natural Sleep Aid to get you the rest you need click here.

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Stress and Worry Causes Sleepless Nights for Many

Financial stress and worry has made it difficult for many people to get a good nights rest. Polls indicate that more individuals are suffering from sleep problems throughout the world. The Irish Times reports that, “One person in seven is losing sleep over the current economic downturn.” And a headline in the Ottawa Sun reads, “Canadians Attribute Poor Sleep to Poor Economy.” Closer to home, the Boston Globe lists poor sleep habits as one of the problematic behaviors affecting Americans. It states, “The recession is hurting our wallets as well as our health.”

People want to sleep better but are dissatisfied with the available treatments. Many worry that sleep aids and medications are habit forming or have unwanted side effects. Other sufferers find sleep labs to be costly and time consuming.

An alternative solution which is effective, inexpensive, and all natural is the Sleep Well Guru Program. This audio program lulls the body into a deeply relaxed state by targeting three stages. First, it quiets the mind and stops the mental chatter that keeps us awake. Second, it uses progressive relaxation and guided imagery to get the body into an “alpha” or “meditative” state. Third, it uses direct and positive suggestions which allow the body to return to a normal, healthy sleep cycle. Benjamin Moss, C.HT and author of the program, is dedicated to helping people stay balanced in difficult times by giving them the gift of sleep.

Jim from San Francisco, CA writes, “I was so worried about losing my job that I stopped sleeping. It slowed my performance at work and put me at greater risk for being let go. Your program helped me immediately. My work is more stable and I feel so much better.”

Sleep problems escalate as individuals worry more about losing their jobs, investments, and homes. Over time, sleepless nights can also lead to alcohol abuse, poor eating, and depression. Medications and sleep clinics are common treatment options but many want help that is inexpensive, convenient and without risky side effects. The Sleep Well Guru program is a natural, easy to use and cost effective solution which helps people sleep better in the comfort of their own homes. For more information, please visit http://www.sleepwellguru.com

About Benjamin Moss, C.HT.

Clinical Hypnotherapist, Benjamin Moss, has helped people from all over the world overcome sleep difficulties. During the past twenty years he as accrued over 20,000 hours of clinical experience and is recognized as an expert in the techniques of progressive relaxation, guided imagery and subconscious reprogramming. His Sleep Well Program was developed and refined during thousands of one-on-one sessions with his clients.

This article is from www.bignews.biz

Anna Nicole Smith using Rare Sleep Aid

Anna Nicole Smith consumed increasing amounts of a rare sleep aid in the months after her son's death, eventually drinking the powerful liquid sedative straight from the medicine bottle, her former bodyguard testified Wednesday.

The drug, chloral hydrate, was cited as the primary cause of Smith's fatal overdose the following year and her bodyguard said the model often carried a bottle of the drug as she grieved for her son.

"I saw her use a spoon maybe twice and after that it was bottle to mouth -- gulp," said Maurice Brighthaupt, a Miami firefighter who moonlighted as Smith's security guard.

Brighthaupt took the stand at a hearing that will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to try Smith's longtime companion, Howard K. Stern, and two Los Angeles physicians on charges of conspiring to furnish her with illegal prescription medications. All three have pleaded not guilty.

One of the doctors, Studio City psychiatrist Khristine Eroshevich, prescribed the chloral hydrate to Smith after her son Daniel's 2005 death, and Brighthaupt testified that on one occasion that year the doctor personally delivered the drug to Smith in the Bahamas.

When he drove the doctor from the airport to the model's house, he said, Eroshevich said she was "reluctant" to give the medication.

But "Anna was begging for it and she really needed it," he quoted the physician as saying.

Stern, a lawyer who became Smith's advisor and then her lover, knew about her use of chloral hydrate and would pass her the bottle when she asked for it, Brighthaupt testified.

Brighthaupt said he saw Stern inject Smith with other medications "more than seven times" and recounted one occasion when he encountered Stern in a bathroom using a cigarette lighter and a spoon to melt Valium into an injectable form.

"They felt it would get in her system faster," he said.

Brighthaupt, a towering, muscular man, seemed hesitant answering questions from the prosecution and said he was uncomfortable testifying against Eroshevich, whom he described as a devoted friend to Smith.

"I consider her a very kind and nice person who wouldn't do anything to anybody," Brighthaupt said.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert J. Perry voiced repeated frustration with the pace of the preliminary hearing, now in its second day, and urged prosecutors to move quickly through evidence about Smith's death and focus on evidence related to illegal prescribing and other charges against the defendants.

When a prosecutor asked a toxicologist to testify about the hypothetical effect of hundreds of pills prescribed to Smith 10 days before her death, the judge interrupted with a question that seemed to get at a central issue in the case.

"Whose fault is it that somebody takes too many pills?" the judge asked.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Renee Rose replied that the defendants were "fully aware" that Smith was an addict who could not control herself around drugs.

"It's like putting a gun in the hand of someone who is suicidal and saying don't pull the trigger," Rose said.

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