Healthy Sleep Habits at the Acton Council on Aging

Today, the Volunteer for Seniors (VFS) organization hosted an enlightening workshop on healthy sleep habits at the Acton Council on Aging (COA). Led by our dedicated educator, Reshma Nair, the session focused on providing seniors with practical tips and strategies to improve their sleep quality.

The workshop covered a range of topics, including the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and understanding the impact of diet and exercise on sleep. Participants engaged actively, asking insightful and apt questions that enriched the discussion. Some of the questions posed by the attendees included:

• How does my watch detect deep sleep and light sleep?
• Am I in REM state?
• Why do I wake up every day after two hours?
• Does dark chocolate come under carbohydrates?
• What do you think of melatonin supplements?
• Do bananas help increase melatonin levels?
• What physical activity is okay to do before bed?
• Is narcolepsy a mini-stroke, and can you develop it from poor sleep habits?
• Can magnesium help with good sleep?
  Is restless leg syndrome characterized by heavy legs?

Reshma addressed each question with detailed explanations, helping the attendees understand the complexities of sleep patterns and the factors influencing them. 

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of such educational initiatives in enhancing the well-being of our senior community. Many expressed their gratitude for the practical advice and the opportunity to have their specific concerns addressed.

On behalf of Volunteering for Seniors, I want to extend a big thank you to VFS educator Reshma Nair for her fantastic session on healthy sleep habits. The insights she shared were incredibly valuable and appreciated by all who attended.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers Aparna Kurada for organizing and Debashis Sengupta for assisting. Their efforts made this event a great success.