Not getting enough sleep has always been known to be bad for your health. Having lack of sleep has been connected with diabetes, depression, heart disease, and other concerning ailments. Now, scientists have shown that a lack of shut eye can also have a negative impact on your brain, increasing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
One in three Americans do not get enough sleep which, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers to be a public health problem. Sleep is beneficial for the brain as it allows the brain to clear out toxins which may otherwise build up. If these toxins build up, it may lead to the brain being damaged which is what scientists say leaves the brain vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, those with chronic sleep problems should try find solutions to remedy healthier sleep patterns and quality.There are many products available to help deal with insomnia. Ideally, look for a product that is natural so as to not cause any harmful side effects, and one that will not only help relax you effectively in order to fall asleep but, also increase the amount of time that you stay asleep. You can find many reviews of different products to help insomnia at www.customerreview.org; such reviews will provide you with the tools you need to help choose the most suitable product for your own personal needs.
Scientists are still working to discover the exact causes of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but two proteins found in the brain have been closely linked with the disease. These are known as amyloid beta and tau. These two proteins have been found to cause tangles in the brain, stopping the brain’s cells from communicating effectively.
Effects Of Sleep Deprivation
A new study has shown that even just one night of interrupted sleep can cause an increase in the brain protein amyloid beta which begins destroying synapses before clumping into plaques that lead to nerve cell death. Though levels returned to normal, scientists are concerned that the long-term effects of sleep deprivation could be detrimental. If you are unlucky enough to have a full week of interrupted sleep, the study showed that levels of tau also spiked. Tau is known to cause tangles in the brain which stops nutrients and other essential supplies to move through the cells resulting in them eventually dying. Sleep deprivation could, therefore, be setting the stage for dementia.
However, not everyone with sleep problems should worry about developing brain issues as there is still no clear cause and effect relationship, the research continues. That said, the research shows that many people are chronically sleep deprived and this affects their health in a number of unhealthy ways. Better quality of sleep and healthier sleep patterns are what we should all be striving for.
Getting A Good Night’s Sleep
While you may not be able to control all the things that interfere with your sleep, you can develop habits that encourage better sleep. Some tips include:
- Sleep no more than 8 hours a night.
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
- Don’t go to bed hungry or full.
- Pay attention to what you eat and drink before bedtime – avoid caffeine!
- Try resolve your worries before bedtime. Try meditating prior to falling asleep. Guided meditation is a great way to start.
- Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
- Create a peaceful sleeping environment. A few drops of lavender on your pillow can work a treat.
Sleep is essential for both our mental and physical health, it is the best way that our body can repair itself each day to help function well for the next. So, make sure you are getting the best possible sleep that you can. It is important that you do everything you can to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. While we all have the occasional night of tossing and turning, when it becomes a frequent occurrence, it is important to speak to your doctor as sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects to your health.