Sleeping

A good night's sleep. We all chase it — nothing better. Nothing worse than trying to sleep and just not getting there. Second only to discussing the weather and health issues, people often trade information about how well they sleep or don't sleep. Sometimes it can be too much information. For many, getting a good night's sleep is an elusive goal. Sleep issues seem to plague us more and more as we age.

Just watch the ads on television. Dancing sheep promote the perfect mattress, promising a good night's sleep. Some beds come with controls that allow you to find the ideal position for a restful night's sleep. Then there are the drug ads showing couples with perfectly coiffed hair, fashionable nightwear, sleeping peacefully side by side. Talk about fairy tales. My bedtime attire borders on scary. 

Seemingly petty things can take on gigantic proportions in the middle of the night. Things like a partner crossing the invisible line in the middle of the bed, or hogging the covers, or, heaven forbid, the pillows. Pillows are always a challenge. My current mission is to find the perfect pillow. The middle of the night finds me fighting with a collection of pillows, trying to get comfortable. As in any male/female negotiation, temperature comes into play. In the past, there would be grumbling about lights being on or off. Now iPads offer the perfect solution. One can read and one can sleep.

Sleep experts suggest eight hours of sleep each night. A reduction in quality sleep leads to sleepiness during the day, inefficiency at work, and potential danger on the road. More than two-thirds of older adults suffer from sleep problems. A diagnosis of sleep apnea offers a chance for treatment and a good night's sleep.

A new poll shows that poor health, not old age, is a significant factor behind many of the sleep disorders among people over 55. In fact, not getting enough sleep may merely exacerbate the aches and pains associated with aging. I advocate for power naps. Having mastered the mini-nap, I can close my eyes and slow my usually frenetic pace to a quiet hum. It doesn't take long, and I am revived.

Whether you are a morning person or a night person may come into play as you seek your beauty sleep. Some are ready for a heavy conversation late at night, while others wake up talking and looking for answers.

Rarely do two people who are a perfect match end up marrying each other or sharing the same bed.

Things get more complicated if there are more bodies in the bed than two. Dogs and many cats expect to sleep with their humans. It is their job. Negotiations may be indicated.

It's just the way it is.

But we all can agree — there is nothing like a good night's sleep.