Older Sleep Less Because...
Ever wonder why older people sleep less?
People in their 70s and beyond seem to need so much less sleep than they did when they were younger. New research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center may finally explain why: They have lost sleep-promoting brain cells.
Working on animals, Beth Israel scientists had previously pinpointed a type of brain cell active mainly during sleep. When these neurons fire, they release a chemical called galanin that quiets brain signaling, allowing for sleep.
More at the link http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2014/08/24/ever-wonder-why-older-people-sleep-less/Mmp2VMUTUkCnV9rfUaKW1K/story.html?p1=Article_InThisSection_Bottom
merrily
(45,251 posts)j/k
I have no clue why older people sleep less. I know that I could conk out for 12-14 hours on the weekends when I was a teen, but lost that ability (and that desire).
littlemissmartypants
(22,531 posts)Heady stuff.
Pun intended.
Love you, merrily!
Jokesters are always way better than meanies.
Love and Peace,
~ Lmsp
merrily
(45,251 posts)rpannier
(24,326 posts)Interesting article and thanks for sharing
Depressing because I'm 50, have trouble sleeping and spend much of my day in a daze
littlemissmartypants
(22,531 posts)I am glad you found it interesting.
Thanks for your post.
littlemissmartypants
leftyladyfrommo
(18,864 posts)SSRI's cause sleep disturbances,. I couldn't sleep at night even when I was just exhausted. Then during the day I felt like a zombie.
vicman
(478 posts)because it's a 24/7 job keeping THOSE DARN KIDS OFF MY LAWN!!!
littlemissmartypants
(22,531 posts)Maybe you would have better luck if you didn't try it in the middle of the night. Here let me hold this
Now try.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)to belts on their own
bemildred
(90,061 posts)I view it as not having to sleep on some artificial schedule.
But I've definitely noticed it, either way. I rarely sleep 8 hours any more.
CTyankee
(63,883 posts)so early. I think that drinking a few ounces of milk helps me get back to sleep...
newfie11
(8,159 posts)And not sleepy the rest of the day.
I used to be a zombie without 10 hrs of sleep but not now.
kickysnana
(3,908 posts)newfie11
(8,159 posts)CTyankee
(63,883 posts)I have spinal arthritis and now arthritis in my knee...it is not easy having an aging body...
newfie11
(8,159 posts)Telling me getting old isn't for cowards. Now I know what they meant.
Of course the rest of their comment was it's better than the alternative.
kimbutgar
(21,040 posts)But when she was in her 60 & 70's she complained about being an insomiac. Now when she's awake we make her get out out bed and sit on the couch otherwise she will keep sleeping.
magical thyme
(14,881 posts)actually, I'm still blaming them. If they sleep all night, so do I. It happens every few nights or so...
dragonlady
(3,577 posts)They get up too early in the morning.