Sleep pioneer Sonia Ancoli-Israel finds new rhythms in retirement – San Diego Union-Tribune
Dr. Sonia Ancoli-Israel, 74, embodies a vibrant retirement filled with community, travel, and continued intellectual engagement. After a distinguished 45-year career studying sleep and its disorders, she’s discovered that stepping away from formal work hasn’t meant slowing down. Instead, her days in San Diego are now a blend of social activities, personal pursuits, and ongoing contributions to the field she dedicated her life to.
A Career Dedicated to Understanding Sleep
Ancoli-Israel’s research significantly advanced the understanding of sleep patterns, particularly in older adults. She established the commonality of sleep apnea and periodic limb movements in this population and pioneered the use of light therapy in nursing homes. Her work also extended to studying sleep and circadian rhythms in women with breast cancer, earning her numerous accolades within the field of sleep medicine.
Life’s Unexpected Turns
Her retirement in 2012, at age 60, wasn’t a planned event. It was prompted by her husband, Andy, a respected internal medicine physician, receiving a diagnosis of posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s. This presented a poignant irony, given her decades of research into sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. She prioritized making the most of their remaining time together, becoming his full-time caregiver until his passing in October 2020.
Finding Rhythm After Loss
Despite the challenges of caregiving and loss, Ancoli-Israel has embraced a fulfilling post-retirement life. She remains professor emerita at UC San Diego, continuing to contribute to research, write papers, and mentor students. She is being honored as Scientist of the Year by the San Diego chapter of Achievement Rewards for College Scientists on May 17, where she will discuss her research.
Her interests extend beyond academia. She actively participates in the San Diego Jewish community, having served as president of her synagogue and on the boards of several organizations. She also finds joy in travel, photography, spending time with her four grandchildren, and simple pleasures like reading and playing mahjong.
Wisdom on Sleep and Aging
Drawing from her extensive expertise, Ancoli-Israel offers practical advice for seniors struggling with sleep. She recommends morning light exposure, a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding prolonged wakefulness in bed. She emphasizes that sleep problems are often treatable and shouldn’t be accepted as an inevitable part of aging. Her advice includes removing clocks from the bedroom to reduce anxiety about sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Dr. Ancoli-Israel’s retirement?
Dr. Ancoli-Israel retired in 2012 after her husband, Andy, was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s.
What is Dr. Ancoli-Israel currently doing?
Dr. Ancoli-Israel remains professor emerita at UC San Diego, continues research, mentors students, and is actively involved in her community, and travels.
What advice does Dr. Ancoli-Israel offer for better sleep?
She recommends morning light exposure, a regular sleep schedule, avoiding clocks in the bedroom, and seeking treatment for sleep problems rather than accepting them as a normal part of aging.
How do you envision balancing a fulfilling retirement with continued engagement in areas you’re passionate about?