Ask a sleep expert

EightStraight "Sleepologist" offers daily tips for better sleep.

Men's Sleep

Men, like all adults, need eight hours of sleep to keep their body at its best. But the demands men put on their minds and bodies push them to the limit – making it all the more important for men to address the elements that impact a good night’s sleep.

 

Many men conduct their lives assuming that getting the recommended eight straight hours of sleep is not an option. Work, family, friends, and social and community commitments keep many men from setting aside the time to get a proper amount of sleep.

 

But this comes at an expense. A proper night’s sleep has tremendous benefits, since healthy sleep cycles rejuvenate the mind and body.

 

Not enough men get enough sleep. But all men can improve their chances of obtaining the health benefits of a great night’s sleep – even in today’s hectic, overscheduled world.

 

Finding the Time to Get the Sleep You Need

 

Some days, it seems like everyone wants a piece of you, and everything seems like a high priority. A good night’s sleep should be one of those priorities, but fewer and fewer men are making it one.

 

Men can take steps toward improved sleep patterns by taking an inventory of behaviors and environments that impair their chances of good slumber. They can be evaluated and improved with better understanding of what it takes to get a better night’s sleep.

 

Men should:

 

• Know their medications – What prescription drugs might be unintentionally affecting their sleep patterns? Are medications prescribed by a doctor to help with sleep?
• Know their self-medications – Alcohol offers the false promise of quick initial slumber before it ruins a night’s sleep, especially when consumed within an hour of bedtime. Over-the-counter sleep aids most commonly contain one of the same antihistamines also found in allergy medications, sometimes with a pain killer added. Usage can actually lead to daytime drowsiness, rendering a better night’s sleep useless.
• Know their sleep environment – at the end of the day, men must make sure they are in a position to get the best night’s sleep possible. Elements of a proper sleep environment include the mattress, the place where men can get the best possible foundation for sleep; their pillow, which men can choose by matching medical requirements and comfort preferences with a wide range of pillows on the market, a dark room, and quiet.

 

Don't Make a Bad Thing Worse

 

Men should avoid caffeine and alcohol within at least one hour of bedtime to avoid worsening some of the pre-existing breathing disorders that are prevalent among men.

 

Alcohol additionally can worsen symptoms for men suffering from apnea, insomnia, and Restless Leg Syndrome. Men with asthma and allergies can also have their symptoms triggered in sleep by alcohol.

 

Men who snore may not consciously register the pronounced effects of alcohol on their night's sleep, but their partners certainly do.

 

In a competitive world, a lack of proper rest may seem like a prerequisite to success. But consider the disadvantages men suffer as a result. Sleep-deprived men are tired throughout day and a recent study in Japan suggests their lack of proper sleep contributes to weight gain. Poor performance during men’s waking hours due to sleepiness can create anxiety and stress, further impairing a good night’s sleep.

 

Men who have a sleep disorder that is not properly treated under a doctor’s care can suffer symptoms will impact their sleep and lead to further, more serious health problems. Sleep apnea, for example, can cause heart problems in men, and lack of sleep is also shown to accelerate the onset of diabetes.

 

 

The Good News

 

There are some good things that come with being a man. When a man and woman share a bed, statistics show that men actually sleep better, whereas women’s sleep tends to suffer. So be sensitive to your partner that and be proactive about helping to create the best possible sleep environment and sleep preparation for both of you.

 

Taking a Shot at Real 8 Straight

 

Men shouldn’t be hard on themselves for being unable to sleep – it’s a common phenomenon thought to be part of evolution, and it is am unfortunate fact of today’s fast-paced life. Relaxation techniques can help men to ease themselves back to sleep.

 

Mens’ sleep needs also change as they age. Teens need even more than the standard eight straight hours, and suffer acutely from lack of proper rest. As men age into their 60s, lack of proper sleep can literally saps their strength, and data shows a drop in testosterone among older men who don’t get enough shut-eye.

 

Conclusion: Communicate and Cultivate a Better Night's Sleep

 

Men can instantly improve their sleep by keep a better eye on their sleep preparation patterns. Communication with their spouse and families can also be a key to making sure everyone is on the same page about getting the rest they need.

 

A proper night’s sleep offers men the foundation to take on the challenges life throws at them 24 hours a day.

 

Next Physiology Article: Children and Sleep: Getting Your Baby to Sleep Like a Baby

 

Sleep Forum

Add an entry