Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Show 1246: Getting the Sleep You Need Even in Anxious Times

It's harder to sleep well during anxious times, but more important than ever. Learn how to manage your own sleep and your children's.
Current time

Getting the Sleep You Need Even in Anxious Times

0% played% buffered
Duration

Adequate sleep is essential to good health. That is not a news flash; your grandmother and great-grandmother knew it. It’s simply become more difficult to get the sleep you need in these anxious times. An ongoing pandemic and all the disruptions it has caused to work, school and other aspects of life could keep millions of people awake.

Getting the Sleep You Need in Anxious Times:

Although we can’t make the pandemic disappear overnight, we can learn ways to manage our reactions to it. The importance of physical activity–even though it may be hard when you are restricted to your home–can’t be overstated. But physical activity isn’t the only thing that matters for a good night’s sleep. So is social interaction, although it may have to take place by Skype, telephone or Zoom. Maintaining your normal routines through abnormal situations can help curb insomnia.

Sleep experts often advise good sleep hygiene. We ask our guests to explain what this means and how it can help you get the sleep you need despite the stress of the times. Putting your devices away before bedtime can make an important difference during the night.

Helping Children Sleep During Anxious Times:

Young children may need to learn bedtime routines and rituals. Sticking to these whenever possible can help them maintain a regular schedule and get enough sleep.

Sleep apnea is a common problem that disrupts sleep in adults. Are children susceptible? How can parents recognize if this problem is present, and what can they do about it? Learn how both youngsters and adults can overcome troubled sleep and stay healthy during these anxious times.

Steps to Better Sleep:

To learn more about preparing your bedroom for better sleep, you may want to read the article in the March 2021 issue of Consumer Reports. They rate mattresses, pillows and sheets, and recommend tactics ranging from weighted blankets to blackout shades on windows.

This Week’s Guests:

Dr. Charlene Gamaldo is a Professor of Neurology and the Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep and Wellness.

Dr. Laura Sterni is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Director of the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Sleep Center. She is board certified in both pediatric pulmonary medicine and sleep medicine. Her clinical practice is focused on the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep problems in children and adolescents.

Listen to the Podcast:

The podcast of this program will be available Monday, February 15, 2021, after broadcast on February 13. The show can be streamed online from this site and podcasts can be downloaded for free. CDs may be purchased at any time after broadcast for $9.99.

Buy the CD

Download the free mp3

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
4- 34 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.