William Penn Life, 2018 (53. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2018-04-01 / 4. szám
tfe , ■ , ■■Hr Aging Well with Cathy Graham Something to sleep on SLEEP IS IMPORTANT for optimum health at every age. Too little sleep can leave one feeling tired and groggy during the day, which leads to lower levels of concentration and a lack of enthusiasm for being awake. A good night's rest is a big part of feeling refreshed and energized for the new day. For those who dread putting their head on the pillow, here are a few ways to invite sleep to come and stay for the night: • Staying active and busy during the day shifts the body and mind to a natural state of rest. If you are sedentary all day, your body will not feel a need to unwind and replenish. • Think more about relaxation without badgering yourself with the anxiety of not being able to fall asleep. • Check your medications and see if, perchance, they could be taken differently to promote rest. • Be careful about what you eat and drink and when. Caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals consumed less than a couple of hours before bedtime make it more difficult to fall into a slow wave sleep. • Turn off the computer, phone, television or any other device before shutting off the lights. If you must read, read a book, not your iPad or other device. The electronic screen and word contrast make the brain busy, not sleepy. • A warm bath, warm milk or quiet music can get you in the mood to breathe deep and sleep well. From head to toe, our bodies need a deep sleep to repair, rebuild and refresh. Sleep requirements vary from person to person, but in general, healthy adults require Photo © Can Stock Photo/aletia 7.5 to 9 hours of good, solid sleep. The best indicator of quality and quantity sleep is how you feel in the morning. If you wake up early, alert and eager, you most likely are getting enough sleep. Too much surface sleep may be a sign of emotional distress or even depression. It isn't normal to want to sleep all the time. A good night sleep shouldn't be something that only happens once in a blue moon. Dim the lights, adjust the temperature of the room to comfortably cool and settle in for a rejuvenating, blissful, delicious night of rest. Sweet Dreams. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Show your WPA pride! We have a shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:______________________________________________ Add ress:____________________________________________ City:_____________________State:________Zip:_________ Email:_______________________________________________ Size (Circle One): Mens S M L XL XXL Womens S M L XL XXL Make check payable to “William Penn Association.” Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 April 2018 0 5
