The Importance Of Sleep Quality

Good sleep quality and duration help protect us from cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s, but how? For the longest time, it was assumed the fluids in the brain and spinal cord were isolated from the rest of the body. It turns out that was totally wrong and the reason is really important.

The brain shrinks and expands during the four stages of sleep. As this happens, the fluid filled spaces in the brain pump damaging waste products including misfolded Tau proteins associated with Alzheimer into the lymph system of the rest of the body for disposal. Good sleep also supports resiliency during times of perceived stress which in turn helps the body keep inflammation in check; another important risk factor for brain health.

Here are a few simple tricks may help you sleep more soundly for the ideal 7-8 hours.

• Having your bedroom already dark before entering
• Having a warm bath or shower before bed
• Meditating if you feel stressed or can’t unwind
• Avoiding caffeine after Noon if you’re sensitive to it
• Avoiding eating a meal less than three hours before bed
• Wearing orange coloured lenses to block out the blue spectrum light for a few hours before bed. (The pineal gland assumes it must be daytime if there is blue in the spectrum of light such as from computer screens and energy efficient bulbs.)

Should these and similar methods not bring sound sleep, book an appointment with our Integrative Therapist David Gilbert. Pick up a free Health Pass from the clinic, to bypass the usual $80.00 initial assessment fee.

Yours in good mental/emotional health.

The above is for information purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.