Trouble sleeping is a common problem for senior citizens, but as we have written, sleep medications have serious drawbacks for older adults.
A study of nearly 50 older Californians found that a non-drug approach could improve sleep quality significantly. The volunteers were randomized to attend a series of mindfulness awareness instruction and practice sessions or a set of sleep hygiene classes. Both groups got two hours of instruction weekly for six weeks.
Mindfulness Makes for Better Sleep
At the end of the study, those who had been practicing mindfulness meditation had significantly better sleep quality and also had fewer symptoms of insomnia, depression and fatigue during the day.
Structured mindfulness awareness training is available in many communities. Although it requires regular practice, it does not seem to have harmful side effects. The same can’t be said of sleep medications.
[JAMA Internal Medicine, online Feb. 16, 2015]
We offer information on sleeping pills, herbs and non-drug approaches in our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep.
