Sleep benefits the mind in many ways Not only does it give your brain a chance to lock in memories so that youre able to recall things like your childs first birthday for years to come it also enhances the ability to memorize new skills Plus the sleep you get now may have a long term influence on your risk for cognitive decline as you age Adopt these sleep habits to help protect your brains health
Avoid Sleeping In
Snoozing long past your alarm may seem like a self care treat but it could backfire Surprisingly too much sleep has been shown to have a negative effect on memory People who sleep for more than nine hours a night have an increased risk of both dementia and Alzheimers compared with those who log six to nine Aim to get the recommend amount of sleep for your age seven to nine hours for adults ages 26 to 64 and seven to eight hours for people 65 and older
Limit Disruptions
Sleep interruptionswhether caused by a snoring partner or a noisy neighborcan hurt your brain health In fact people who have restless poor sleep have a higher risk of cognitive decline than those who sleep straight through the night If you find that your sleep is often fragmented try to minimize the disruptions by using a white noise machine or blackout curtains if necessary Not sure whether youre waking up throughout the night Use a sleep tracker to help determine how much shut eye youre truly getting
Look Out for Dementia Signs
While disrupted sleep can contribute to poor memory and cognitive decline nighttime awakenings themselves may be an indication that youre already affected by dementia since mild to moderate Alzheimers is often linked with insomnia or increased napping Talk to your doctor if youve noticed that your sleeping habits have changed Together you can discuss whether cognitive decline is playing a role in your lost sleep and what to do about it
If you suspect your loved one may have an underlying condition that is effecting their sleep such as sleep apnea contact their doctor or Alaska Sleep Clinic Treatment could lead to a better night sleep for you and your loved one
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