Keeping balance in the dark

[tmm99]

It has become more and more difficult to be able to walk at ease in the dark over the years and I believe this is part of the aging process? (Just like the balance test results for older folks with eyes closed)

Any way to improve this?


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[MRG]

Yes there are. Two years ago I had visual vertigo, and went to balance therapy.

I did learn there are 3 components of balance.
1. Vestibular system
2. Any body part touching a solid surface
3. Vision

When any of these become comprised the other systems attempt to compensate to whatever degree they can. Prove that to yourself by carefully standing on one foot then close your eyes. It's a good idea to have a spotter, as you're likely to fall.

I'd recommend seeing your PCP get checked out and a prescription for balance therapy. You could also try Tai Chi or yoga, I didn't only because I was terribly ill and attempted the fastest cure.

My therapy was not fun but much of it was needed to get my vestibular system and brain working together. One tool the therapist did have me use was the balance exercises in Wii fit.

[tmm99]

Thank you very much for your post, MRG. Very interesting. I wasn't aware there was a special therapy for it. I will ask my PCP next time about balance therapy. I exercise (mainly volleyball and swimming), but it's so hard to do flip-turns anymore (free style swimming turns) since I lose sense of where I am at. I do OK with volleyball even when I make fast turns, but of course, I have my eyes open. I don't have Wii Fit, but I can see that helping (although it looks boring and expensive :-o)

I have had bouts of vertigo in the last couple years also, and maybe it is related. I have had this balancing problem in the dark for several years though, especially when I lack sleep and am very tired.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmm99 It has become more and more difficult to be able to walk at ease in the dark over the years and I believe this is part of the aging process? (Just like the balance test results for older folks with eyes closed) Any way to improve this?

My approach to this problem is that I have installed 7 motion detecting nightlights that redundantly cover my bedroom, hallway, and bathroom. So, while I can sleep in a pitch black room, if/when I get up at night I am not walking in the dark.

One of the nightlights plugs into a socket, and it is of course the brightest and the best:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00

The other six are mounted in locations where there just aren't any convenient sockets, and they are powered by 4 AA cells that need to be replaced about once a year:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o03_s00

Falling is a huge problem for people over 65, and I read that it is the main reason why women over 65 are hospitalized. Not me if I can help it.

[Lsbcal]

Agree with W2R that getting some night lights is a good thing. I prefer the very low wattage LED ones and they can even be on continuously. One does not need much light at night when waking up and it's best (for me) to not be too awakened by a strong light source.

[MRG]

tmm99 your issue sounds more like when you're vision deprived. Lights would be a great start so you don't fall.

My old issues were documented in this thread.
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ad.php?t=70217

[tmm99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R My approach to this problem is that I have installed 7 motion detecting nightlights that redundantly cover my bedroom, hallway, and bathroom. So, while I can sleep in a pitch black room, if/when I get up at night I am not walking in the dark. One of the nightlights plugs into a socket, and it is of course the brightest and the best: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00 The other six are mounted in locations where there just aren't any convenient sockets, and they are powered by 4 AA cells that need to be replaced about once a year: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o03_s00 Falling is a huge problem for people over 65, and I read that it is the main reason why women over 65 are hospitalized. Not me if I can help it.

Thank you very much for your post. Yeah, I should probably get some lights in the hallway and also even in the bedroom. I can get wobbly at night if I stay up too late and I am overly tired. I will definitely check these links out.

[tmm99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRG tmm99 your issue sounds more like when you're vision deprived. Lights would be a great start so you don't fall. My old issues were documented in this thread. Dizzy with fluorescent lights - Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community

I just read your thread... WOW!! It sounds like you have gone through hell and back! I am so happy for you that you got better - that you stuck with the therapies and they paid off at the end. I imagine sticking with the therapies wasn't easy.

Maybe as some of you say here, my problem may be vision/light related (although I sometimes think it may be something to do with my inner ear) - I actually do get wobbly even during the day if I am very sleepy. It is as if something falls asleep in my brain then even if I am considered technically awake.

[AllDone]

I second the advice to see your PCP. Loss of balance is a normal part of aging, but balance PT is very effective. If this is an abrupt change or worse than normal for your age, you may need some additional work up, too.

[Redbugdave]

I read the subject line of this thread and thought it was about denial of your asset values. Back to the balance values...er problems...