A Northwestern University study revealed that 19 percent of the time, doctors do not make notes about patient sleep problems. Yet a follow-up visit by social workers showed that 69 percent of patients had at least one problem with sleeping.

The doctors, unfortunately, seemed to follow the standard belief, which is that all seniors have problems sleeping, and it's to be expected as a normal part of aging and has to be accepted.

Not so! If you have problems sleeping, there are treatments.

We need seven to nine hours of sleep each night for optimum health. When we have problems sleeping, it can affect mental and physical health in some serious ways: Cardiovascular problems can develop, risk of breast cancer is increased, and even sensitivity to pain is increased.

Here are some ideas for getting a better night's sleep:

Make your bedroom a comfy, dark place at night. Only use the bedroom for sleeping, so your body will associate the room with winding down and sleeping.

Stay on a regular schedule. Get up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on the weekends.

Limit daytime naps, as that can impact the quality of your night sleep.

Get regular exercise.

Limit drinks with caffeine, especially late in the day.

If you've been in bed for 10- 15 minutes and haven't fallen asleep, get up. Don't worry about it too much, because that adds stress that makes it more difficult to sleep. Go back to bed later, when you're tired.

When to see a doctor about sleep problems: If you haven't been on a good sleep schedule for a few weeks, and it's affecting your daytime functioning.

Make sure your doctor listens and addresses your concerns. We all deserve a good night's sleep.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions. Do not send any material requiring return mail. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.