Thursday, September 03, 2009

Health Tips for September 3

Health Tip: Can't Sleep?

Everyone has an occasional restless night, but persistent insomnia can make you both sick and tired.

The National Sleep Foundation says a number of medications can lead to insomnia. Here's a list of the most common examples:

  • Cold and allergy medications.
  • High blood pressure medications.
  • Medications to treat heart disease.
  • Medications to treat thyroid problems.
  • Birth control.
  • Asthma medications.
  • Medications to manage pain.
  • Medications for depression, particularly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Health Tip: When Seniors Have Trouble Sleeping

Sleep disturbances -- including trouble getting to sleep or waking frequently throughout the night -- are common in elderly people.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of common reasons for sleep problems in older people:

  • Increased need to urinate.
  • Pain, particularly from arthritis.
  • Depression.
  • Neurological problems.
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Side effects of taking certain medications.
  • Alcohol use.
  • Not getting enough exercise.
  • Consuming too much caffeine.

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