Now & Then: Uncle Ambrose and his circadian rhythms

Dear Nephew,

Your Uncle Ambrose can’t sleep.

No, that’s not right. He sleeps like a baby in his recliner but is wide-awake in bed.

Your uncle will sit down after supper, ready to watch Vanna turn letters on Wheel of Fortune. By the bonus round, he’s resting his eyes.

Then when Johnny Gilbert says, “This is Jeopardy!” your uncle is wide awake, at least through the start of double jeopardy. It’s been months since he’s been awake for final jeopardy and heard the famous 30-second jingle.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Vic,” he said the other morning after tossing and turning all night. “I can snooze like Sleeping Beauty when I’m watching TV but let me put my head on the pillow and it’s like I’ve had a pot of coffee.”

I told your Uncle Ambrose that I had done an internet search and found several reasons why seniors have trouble sleeping at the right times.

“Look here,” I said, showing him a page on my laptop. “It could be your circadian rhythm.”

“What do cicadas have to do with my sleeping?” your uncle wanted to know. “They’re just little bugs that make a lot of noise every 17 years.”

“No, not cicadas. It’s circadian,” I corrected him. 

“Here’s what it says: ‘Changes in Circadian Rhythm: As people age, their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, often shifts. This can lead to earlier bedtimes and wake times, as well as increased daytime sleepiness. Seniors may find themselves feeling tired earlier in the evening and waking up earlier in the morning.’”

“Well, the only reason I get up earlier is because I’ve been awake all night,” your uncle said. “What else you got?”

“OK, here’s more,” I said, reading, “Medical Conditions Affect Sleep: Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, depression, heart conditions, and medication side effects can cause poor nighttime sleep and increased daytime drowsiness.”

“Naw, I don’t have any of that,” said your uncle. “Ol’ Doc Killdeer says I’m healthy as a horse. And I don’t take any meds ’cep for cholesterol.”

“Well, here are some suggestions for improving your sleep,” I said. “This one sounds like it’s for you, Am. ‘Older people who exercise regularly fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and report better quality of sleep. Exercise is one of the best things older people can do for their health.’”

“Aw shucks, Vic. I exercise. I go fishin’ three or four times a week.”

“Well, when they say exercise, I don’t think they mean sitting in a boat and casting a line on Randleman Lake.”

“But me and Jethro have to hook up and unhook the boat trailer at the ramp,” your uncle said. “That should count for somethin’.”

“Here’s something else,” I said. “Keep a regular sleep schedule.”

“I have a regular schedule,” said your uncle. “I sleep in my recliner and wake up to go to bed.”

“How about eating dinner about four hours before bedtime?” I asked. “You tend to snack in front of the TV. Well, when you’re not dozing.”

“But chewing is supposed to help keep me awake,” your Uncle Ambrose said. 

“Yes, and it keeps you awake when you go to bed,” I said. “Oh, here’s something: ‘Find activities that help you relax before bed. Many older people enjoy taking a warm bath, reading, or finding some quiet time before getting into bed.’”

“I could take a warm bath but I’m afraid I’d fall asleep and drown myself,” said your uncle. “Reading would surely put me to sleep, especially one of those columns by Larry Penkava.”

“There you go,” I said. “Now you can get some sleep, in bed I mean.”

To that, your uncle said, “Hey, maybe those humming cicadas would put me to sleep.”

Love,

your Uncle Ambrose and Aunt Victoria

■ Larry Penkava, is a writer for Randolph Hub. Contact: 336-302-2189, larrypenkava@gmail.com.