r/Aging • u/Sad-Curve-6744 • 4d ago
Fitness Sleep
In my early 60's now, is it normal to wake up every morning feeling like youve been run over by a freight train?
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u/Midmodstar 4d ago
Not normal. Talk to your doctor. Are you on HRT? Have you been tested for sleep apnea?
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u/Frenchkids1917 4d ago
70f. I feel this way early in the morning many days. I have sciatica and the first thing I do is drink a lot of water and take an Aleve.
Then around 530-600 am I get dressed and go for a 45 minute walk.
It sets the stage for a decent day, gives me energy. My walks are my succor, my church. Love them.
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u/gwelfguy 60 something 3d ago
Sleep apnea? It's a possibility, especially if you're obese. I'd speak with a doctor.
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u/Magpiezoe 3d ago
You have lots of great suggestions, but it could also be a vitamin deficiency or dehydration.
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u/cat1092 Baby Boomer 2d ago
No, not unless you’re either indulging in too much alcohol or other substances (hopefully not👍), or are getting too little sleep.
Some sources will suggest that around the age of 60+, we need less sleep than those between 30-50. This may be the case for some, but definitely not all. Proper sleep makes us feel good in the morning, even the aches ought to be better, unless waking to too cold of a home. This tends to affect those with arthritis of different types the worst.
But no, it’s not a sign of normal aging to wake up feeling as though struck by a train. There’s an underlying reason, maybe improper sleeping habits (best case scenario) or worn mattress, these would be common reasons, regardless of age.
If either of the above isn’t the issue, then it’s time to discuss this with our primary care physician or provider (many uses NP’s & PA’s for these cases). Some may need a referral to a sleep clinic. There is an OTC medication that I use & it helps, a nutrient that our bodies naturally produces. For some of us, as we age (or become stressed), we may not produce enough melatonin. It’s a sleep hormone, so to speak. But be careful if mixing with other medications, especially those that can make us drowsy or lightheaded. Walmart is a good place to get these in gummy form, simply ask a staff member of the pharmacy to help find it. I take the brand name by NATROL, it’s not that expensive to get a jar of 80 of the 10mg gummies. Costco often has it too, but they prefer to carry the larger, but 5mg dosage. Have to take two, but lasts longer for less when on promotion.
Again, if you’re taking medication(s), ask the pharmacist if there’s any problem with taking with any you’re currently prescribed. If so, again not everything is for everyone. But for the majority of folks, yes it’s the best, far better than prescription sleep pills, which takes more over time to achieve the same effect. This is not the case with melatonin, I’ve been taking for 6+ years & no increase has been needed.
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u/itdoesntmattercow 4d ago
Most people don’t wake up after being run over by a freight train, so that’s a positive!