Health & Wellness SPECIAL SECTION
Sleep Your Way to a Healthier You
By now , you ’ ve most likely heard the news on the numerous benefits of sleep on overall health . From improving brain function to assisting in weight loss , getting the recommended hours of sleep fit for your age is essential to staying healthy . The message should be loud and clear to adults , who still fight sleep to watch late-night television or finish one more chapter of a good book . You may let children do the same : stay up to finish homework or to play a little while longer . You may think you are making your children happy with the extra time awake , but the effects are ultimately hurting their ability to fully function during the day .
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children between the ages of 6 and 10 get 10-11 hours of sleep per night , while 11- to 17-year-olds should get 8.5 to 9.5 hours . A poll done by the foundation found that children were falling short and losing out on the benefits of a good night ’ s sleep . Research shows that less sleep leads to learning and behavior problems , directly affecting cognitive ability , concentration , and problem-solving skills .
Many families have seen the negative effects and often assume they are symptoms of ADHD , however the distracting behaviors might easily be reduced or even eliminated by an earlier bedtime .
Make Sleep Matter
• Set bedtimes and wake times . You can start to make sleep a higher priority for your kids by setting a good example and getting enough sleep yourself . Start by setting bedtimes and wake-up times that you can adhere to on both weekdays and weekends . Creating a pattern will help your body understand its sleep cycle , allowing for more restful nights .
• Create wind-down activities before bed . The half-hour before bed should be free of high-energy activities . Start a bedtime routine that includes calming activities like bath time or reading .
• Make a bed sanctuary . As adults , nothing is better than a comfortable place to sleep at night . Make your children ’ s beds the same for them . Add extra pillows for coziness and their favorite stuffed animal to keep them company at night . Keep lights down to a dim lamp or nightlight if needed for comfort while making the room dark enough for good sleep .
• Keep electronics out or off . Electronics produce a blue light that sends a signal to your brain to stop the release of melatonin , making it harder to fall asleep . On top of wanting to text with friends or check social media , children and teens will give any excuse to stay awake . Electronic devices are best left in the dark at bedtime .
Hear All About It
Although hearing loss is most commonly associated with aging , it could happen at any time and can be caused by environmental conditions like working in a noisy environment , earwax buildup , or inner ear damage . According to the National
Center for Health Statistics , the average person waits six years after the first signs of hearing loss to get checked by a doctor . Hearing problems are considered an undertreated issue for reasons including patient denial , vanity , and less awareness of other effects associated with hearing loss . Some Baby Boomers are starting to enter their 70s , an age at which many individuals start seeking medical attention for hearing ailments , but it is important to take charge at the first signs of trouble at any age .
A study on the psychological effects of hearing issues was done for the American Psychology Association and focused on the mental health of patients who suffer from hearing loss . The National Council on Aging study found that 2,304 people who suffered from hearing loss but used no form of treatment were 50 % more likely to suffer from sadness or depression than individuals who wore hearing aids . It noted that individuals not using hearing aids showed more signs of anger , anxiety and frustration , causing them to be less involved in social activities than those who wear aids . The risk for dementia also increases in those who suffer from hearing loss , due to sensory loss and growing social isolation , pointed out in a study conducted by the Archives of Neurology .
Start becoming aware of the signs of hearing loss , and consult your doctor or audiologist if you start to notice some of the symptoms :
• Trouble hearing over the phone
• Vertigo , causing dizziness , pain , or ringing in the ears
• Mumbled voices
• Having to ask others to repeat themselves often
• Avoidance of social situations
• Having a family medical history of hearing loss
Individuals with hearing loss may often be reluctant to face the reality , but also may not know about the deeper implications of letting it go untreated . If you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the symptoms of hearing loss , be sure to understand and share the benefits of seeking treatment .
Seeing into the Future
Twenty-first century children are looking beyond genetics as a cause for needing corrective eyewear , according to the American Optometric Association ( AOA ). In the Digital Age , children are exposed to electronic devices their whole lives as an integral part of social and educational practices .
Teachers are continuing to increase the amount of digital technology used in the classroom , and it is expected that computer simulations will account for much of the learning style in the future . Both teachers and parents are finding that children are adapting well to the use of technology in the
Continued on page 35 >
SHALER ❘ WINTER 2022 33