Tag Archives: sleep problems

Sleep Issues In Adopted Children, Part Two

In Part One of this blog, I talked about sleep issues in adopted children. This blog will focus on the ways parents try to manage sleep issues, and why some of these approaches may be either more or less appropriate for an adopted child. First of all, keep expectations realistic. It takes time to adjust to new schedules and new time zones. If you are a new parent, read up on how much babies typically sleep. There is a lot of variation, and many books consider a five-hour sleep stretch to be “sleeping through the night” for a young infant. … Continue reading →

Eat Your Way To A Good Night’s Sleep

Having trouble sleeping? You aren’t alone. Nearly one in three Americans suffer from some form of insomnia! What you eat (and drink) may help ease your struggle with the sandman. First, eliminate the usual suspects… that means cut out the caffeine. Even decaf coffee and chocolate can contain small amounts of caffeine. It won’t be easy, but try cutting out caffeine entirely for two weeks. If you sleep better without caffeine, it may be time to say goodbye to coffee and sodas! Some people are more sensitive than others; experiment to see how much or how little affects you. You … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (3)

In this blog, we continue with looking at how postpartum depression affects the mother, her partner and family and friends as discussed in Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1) and (2). Antidepressant medication may or may not be required, depending on medical advice. Whether medication is indication or not, there will be periods where the new mother is well and functioning, and other times when the old symptoms return. This is normal. As previously discussed, household help will be required so that the mother can turn her limited resources towards the baby. She will also need time out from her … Continue reading →

Sleep Problems for the Elderly

Your sleep requirements and sleep patterns change throughout your life. But more than half of all older Americans have sleep problems that they think are a normal part of aging. They are NOT a normal part of aging, and the elderly shouldn’t have to suffer with sleep problems. Side effects of sleep problems: Memory loss Decreased ability to concentrate Impaired function (physically and mentally) Higher risk of falls and accidents Moodiness and depression How do you help a beloved friend or family member get a good night’s sleep? Keep a week-long diary that tracks wake-up time and bedtime, plus timing … Continue reading →

Another Seven Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep

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Naps can be your best friend or your worst ally. Me, I’m a napper. I can snooze for an hour or two and still get into bed at the usual time with no problem. For some people, taking naps can make insomnia worse. If a nap isn’t a good idea for you, you should make a point of getting up and moving around if you feel sleepy and it’s not bedtime yet. Skip the shower. A shower tends to wake you up. If you need some help relaxing, try a warm bath instead. A long, hot bath will help relax … Continue reading →

Seven More Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep

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If at first you don’t succeed, get out of bed. If you have been in bed for a half hour without falling asleep, get up and leave the room. Do something quiet for twenty minutes — read a book, meditate, write a letter — and then try going back to bed. Lying in bed agonizing about why you’re not falling asleep isn’t going to help you fall asleep! And speaking of agonizing… don’t lie in bed worrying about things. I can’t tell you how to stop worrying, but it may help to write down a to-do list for the next … Continue reading →

Six Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep

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All of these tips aren’t going to necessarily work for everyone, but if you’re having trouble getting enough sleep, give them a try and find out what works for you! Train your body to keep a sleep routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, all week long. Yes, that includes weekends. The more regular your sleep routine is, the easier it will be to stick to it. You really can’t catch up on missed sleep by oversleeping on your days off. Develop a bedtime routine, where you do the same things every … Continue reading →