No matter what age you are, it's a good time to think about how to protect your brain health and lower your chances of developing dementia. One major way to accomplish that: getting good-quality sleep every night.
While you're getting your ZZZs, your brain cycles through rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep. Each cycle turns different brain chemicals on and off, which helps your brain rest, recover and repair throughout the night.
After a good night's sleep, you feel refreshed, alert and ready to take on the day's challenges. In other words, you have good cognitive function. But after just one or two nights of poor sleep, you might notice a reduction in your:
• Attention span.
• Alertness.
• Memory.
• Creativity.
• Judgment.
• Problem-solving skills.
So far, research on a possible link between sleep and brain health in humans isn't conclusive. More and larger studies are needed to fully understand how sleep and brain health are connected. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that a chronic lack of adequate sleep can affect cognitive function in two significant ways:
Alzheimer's disease. Sleep helps your brain clear out beta-amyloid proteins, which are linked to Alzheimer's. Sleep deprivation may increase the amount of these proteins in the brain. In people who already have Alzheimer's, poor sleep might worsen their symptoms.
Memory problems. REM and NREM sleep help strengthen your memories and your ability to recall information when you need it. Long-term sleep problems disturb that process. This may make it harder for you to remember facts or a logical sequence of steps.
In addition to high-quality sleep, these healthy habits can help keep your brain functioning well throughout your life:
• Managing your stress levels.
• Getting regular physical activity.
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Nurturing social connections.
• Stimulating your mind.
• Controlling your blood pressure.
Watson Clinic’s
Neurology department can offer tips on how to keep your brain healthy. Call 863-680-7300 to schedule an appointment.
And if you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, the
Watson Clinic Sleep Disorders Center is your destination for comprehensive testing and treatment solutions. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 863-680-7627.
Sources: HelpGuide; National Institutes of Health; Sleep Foundation