A new US study has found around half of people aged 65 to 80 wrongly believe that sleep problems were simply a result of ageing, with one in three using medication to help them sleep at night.
The data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging at the University of Michigan also discovered one in 12 had taken sleeping pills – despite national guidelines warning against their use by people aged over 65.
Most hadn’t talked to their doctors about their symptoms either – mainly because they didn’t see their sleep issues as a health problem.
But the fact is lack of sleep is not a normal part of ageing – and it can actually be dangerous to your health.
The danger of sleepless nights
Previous studies have linked overtiredness to cancer, Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, obesity, stroke, chronic pain, diabetes, heart attacks and more.
The World Health Organisation has even classified any form of night-time shift work as a probable carcinogen.
But while pain, poor health or stress can keep us awake at night, the researchers say you can do something about it.
Their advice? Talk to your doctor as the first step – two-thirds of the study participants reported that they got useful advice.
The government’s free Healthdirect service also has plenty of tips and articles on healthy sleep habits here.
If you’re not getting enough shut-eye, it really could save your life.
