Treating the "heart" of the elderly: Uncovering the secrets of why the elderly are prone to insomnia

The elderly are a group that is prone to sleep disorders. Why are they prone to insomnia? To discuss this topic, we must first understand how the brain makes us sleepy.

The two major systems of our brain, the "homeostasis system" and the "circadian rhythm system", interact with each other to make us sleepy. Two chemical substances, "adenosine" and "melatonin", play an important role in these two systems. If enough adenosine accumulates during the day, we will start to feel sleepy at night. In addition, the eyes cannot sense light, which prompts the pineal gland to release melatonin. The accumulated adenosine and melatonin will bring us a wonderful sleep.

Why are the elderly prone to insomnia? As they age, their physical strength gradually declines. In addition, they are affected by underlying diseases, sleep disorders, and insufficient secretion of "wake-up substances" during the day, which may lead to insufficient daytime activities and consumption, and insufficient accumulation of "adenosine". In addition, due to the degeneration of brain tissue function in the elderly, melatonin secretion decreases. These two factors together cause insufficient motivation for sleep. This is a very important reason why the elderly have shallow sleep and wake up easily at night.

Second, the elderly are prone to difficulties in adapting to changes in their pace of life and environment, such as retirement, moving, loneliness, etc. Some elderly people become pessimistic and depressed. Insomnia caused by this situation is mostly characterized by early awakening.

Third, some elderly people have "neurodegenerative diseases" and are prone to sleep disorders. Insomnia in this case is usually combined with a disease called rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. It usually manifests as talking in sleep, shouting in dreams, accompanied by frequent movements of limbs, and sometimes violent behavior in dreams. Some patients have experienced "falling out of bed". When this happens, it is recommended that elderly people should go to a sleep specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Poor sleep in the elderly can easily lead to other diseases or worsen existing underlying diseases. On the one hand, it is recommended that elderly people seek medical treatment in a timely manner when they have sleep problems, rule out organic diseases, and obtain professional guidance from doctors. On the other hand, if conditions permit, elderly people can do moderate exercise during the day, hang out with friends more often, keep a happy mood, and cultivate a hobby such as Tai Chi, singing, square dancing, practicing calligraphy, learning a musical instrument, and participating in reading clubs, which are all very good activities that are conducive to sleep at night.

For those who like to take a nap, it is best not to take a nap for more than half an hour. Avoid drinking, tea, coffee, milk tea, smoking, etc., especially in the afternoon. When you have a regular schedule, a happy mood, and moderate exercise, I believe you can also have a good sleep.