Today I read about a recent series of research studies reported by ScienceNews magazine. In one study, Dr. Barbara Bendlin and her research team reported that people who don’t get enough sleep (i.e., less than 7 hours each night) may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Bendlin and her team showed that people who don’t get enough sleep have more of the biological markers – A-beta plaques (i.e., plaques considered a “cellular waste product”) – associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In another study led by Dr. Nora Volkow, after one night of sleep deprivation, the thalamus and hippocampus areas of the brain, had an increase of A-beta. Dr. Volkow confirmed “sleep is indispensable for proper brain function.” Although scientists cannot definitively prove that more sleep prevents Alzheimer’s disease or even helps the brain routinely clear out these A-beta plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, the latest research shows a strong correlation between getting more sleep and improved cognitive function.
Until recent months, I didn’t sleep nearly enough. I thought 6 or 7 hours was normal and required to be successful. I get it. However, I’ve recently created a new goal for myself: sleep at least 8 hours every night. When I don’t sleep 8 hours for whatever reason, I take a nap during the day. More sleep helps me be a more creative problem solver and gives me energy to be my best self.
Take care of yourself and start getting more sleep for the next 7 days. Notice the difference in your brain, body, and interaction with loved ones. You’ll think with more clarity and be more productive. Best of all, you may also help your brain routinely rid itself of the harmful A-beta plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Sleep has helped me so much that it has become my new super vitamin. My hope is that it becomes a new super vitamin for you too (if it hasn’t already).