Dear LPG, 

I have an unusual problem for someone who is older according to what I have read on the internet.  I have found that since I retired 12 years ago I am getting lazier and lazier.  According to the internet older people have problems sleeping at night resulting in their need to nap during the day, but I seem to do both these days. I fall asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow at night; barring the odd night out I am always in bed by nine o’clock, if not earlier, and I don’t get up much before half past six in the morning. 

I think that I live a relatively active life which includes looking after my grandchildren helping a less able friend with shopping and getting out and about, I have started to learn to play the piano because I never got round to it when I was younger and I also attend exercise classes, not to mention the normal daily household chores like cleaning, gardening, shopping and cooking that everyone has to do.   Yet as soon as I sit down for a breather I find myself nodding off.  I often miss my favourite Television show, not because I was not there sitting in front of the set, but because I had 40 winks while it was on (sometimes I even miss the plus one rerun as well!)  I have even been known to go droopy eyed while friends and family members are trying to tell me a short story.

I feel that,  in spite of getting a really good night’s sleep nearly every night, I am seriously missing out on a big chunk of my life because, no matter how hard I try, I keep dropping off.

I was just wondering if any of your readers have the same problem and have found a solution that they could pass on.

HS, Lewisham

WE have found information including some on the side effects of sleeping too much, but LPG would like to remind readers to get in touch with their GP in the event that this article leaves them worried about their own health. 

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