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Popular energy or sleep products promise to help you combat the midafternoon slump or help you fall asleep faster, but do they work? Here are common fatigue-fighting products, and better alternatives to get an energy boost:
Energy drinks
Many energy drinks provide a short-term boost via large amounts of caffeine. For most people, occasional energy drinks are fine, but check with your health care provider if you have an underlying condition such as heart disease or high blood pressure. A major downside is that the caffeine boost of an energy drink may take many hours to wear off, impacting your sleep at night.
A better alternative — If an afternoon drop in energy is a problem, plan social activities during this time. Social connection and interaction keeps attention levels up and shifts your thoughts away from feeling tired.
Blue-light-blocking lenses
Blue light that comes from television screens, cellphones and computers can trick your body into thinking it’s daytime and interfere with your sleep. However, there is no conclusive evidence that wearing blue-light-blocking lenses improves sleep.
A better alternative — Save yourself the expense of these glasses and avoid blue light by setting aside your screens at least one hour before bedtime. This can also help you unwind in other ways, such as avoiding being stimulated by the news or social media.
Melatonin
The hormone melatonin plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle. Nonprescription melatonin supplements may help with certain sleep problems, such as delayed sleep phase disorder, or with sleep effects from shift work or time zone changes. However, melatonin may suppress testosterone levels, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine does not recommend using it to treat chronic insomnia because it may not help much.
A better alternative — Start with sleep hygiene tips, such as setting aside at least eight hours for sleep, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and making your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. You may also want to consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This therapy is an effective treatment that can help you control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep you awake. In addition, limited research on aromatherapy — the therapeutic use of essential oils extracted from plants — has shown that it might improve sleep by helping you relax.
Chat with others discussing sleep and fatigue in the Sleep Health group.
Monthly health tips on fighting fatigue and other ways to live healthier can be delivered to your mailbox with a subscription to Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
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I am a 91years old female. I have decided that I am ready to leave planet earth. I don't take any prescription drugs, just some supplements. I will not have any surgery or CPR. I have no pain but I feel tired most of the time...sleep well and enjoy afternoon naps. I don't have many friends or family left. I think I have had a remarkable life. Married for 56 years, raised 3 successful kids. I don't want to be a burden to them and I don't want to go into a care facility either but I think I am alone too much.. I don't want full-time live-in help either. I guess I've become a cranky old lady. Do you have any suggestions? I live in a condo, cook my own meals, do my laundry etc. I have a cleaning service once a month. financially independent, etc.
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5 ReactionsYou sound like a remarkable person, @seniorladyincanada. Congratulations on your full life. It is understandable that you need some companionship. We all need that, no matter our age or station in life.
While you still seem to be quite independent, you do not mention if you still drive. If you do, have you considered looking for a group you could join at a senior center or at the local library. I really enjoy reading and I belong to two book discussion clubs. I love to listen to the insights and thoughts of others as we all have read the same book.
What other interests do you have that might lead to interaction with others or social groups?
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4 ReactionsThank you for your response. I stopped driving a couple of years ago... donated my car to charity. I'm not very comfortable in group settings as I don't hear so good even though I wear hearing aids. I do enjoy reading and fortunately have a library right here in my condo that has an excellent selection. I also watch TV in the evenings... am a Toronto Raptors fan. Would love to hear more about you. Are you in the States?? I was fortunate to do a lot of travelling when younger...to the States. Europe, across Canada, etc. Again, thanks for your reply.
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3 ReactionsI think u r doing great. I am on utube and look up all sorts pf subjects. Other than reaching out continuously to meet others, I have increased
Hit button accidentally. I have increased my thinking and learning mode. I know so many that withdraw into reruns tv and I want to continue new imput. Cannot have all wants but can enjoy alternatives
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1 Reaction@1942marilyne you are so right! I read that as we age and have normal loss of brain neuron connections, and “normal” brain shrinkage, it is critical that we form new connections by learning new things. It slows down mental decline.
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2 Reactions@seniorladyincanada, just thought I'd check in. You might be interested in joining this group:
- Lonely and Just want to talk with virtual friends here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/very-lonely/
If you're a Toronto Raptors fan, perhaps you also live in Toronto. I know you said you stopped driving. Are you able to get around with public transit where you live? Are you mobile?
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