This is a wise inquiry, considering that your brain influences…well, nearly everything. “I’m taking a chance by asserting that the brain is the most vital organ,” notes neuroscientist Hayley Nelson, PhD. “The brain governs (or at least significantly impacts) everything we do…your capacity to read this right now, while seated, managing your body temperature, breathing, and even noticing the sound of that incoming text message…” Additionally, it plays a role in your digestive, endocrine (hello, hormones), and sensory systems.
However, if there’s one area to concentrate on to foster brain health starting now, it’s sleep. “When you think about sleep, remember that we humans spend roughly one-third of our lives engaging in it,” Dr. Nelson explains. “Sleep is not just an essential part of our daily routine; getting sufficient rest at the appropriate times is crucial for our survival.”
Sure, everyone does sleep—but not everyone achieves optimal rest. To enhance the quality of your sleep, Dr. Nelson suggests eliminating phone and television usage from your bedroom and establishing a bedtime ritual, such as writing down your thoughts in a gratitude journal.
If you’ve done all that but still find yourself restless at night, a supplement might be beneficial. Melatonin—a hormone your body naturally produces that helps manage sleep cycles—is a good starting point, but what if you wish to explore further? Neuriva Sleep merges melatonin with ashwagandha, a plant extract celebrated for its restorative traits, into a new formula designed to help you drift into slumber more swiftly and awaken feeling rejuvenated*. For those seeking a melatonin-free alternative, the recently launched Neuriva Relax & Sleep combines ashwagandha with L-theanine (an amino acid commonly found in green tea that promotes relaxation), offering another avenue to achieve restful slumber*. Ultimately, sleep and brain health are inextricably linked.
Continue reading for 3 reasons why the link between sleep and brain health matters.
1. Enhanced clarity, reduced brain fog.
Ever feel a bit… hazy? “Sleep is crucial for various brain functions, including how nerve cells—neurons—interact,” Dr. Nelson explains. “Lack of sleep…” she adds, “…makes concentration and rapid responses more challenging. Just ask any sleep-deprived new parent: The brain isn’t functioning efficiently when it’s underslept.”
Ideally, you should experience energy and focus when engaging in tasks that demand your attention. However, there are several indicators to observe: “Do you feel sluggish and foggy while performing activities you used to handle with ease? Are you struggling to maintain focus on tasks, leading to increased confusion?” If you answered affirmatively to these questions, Dr. Nelson advises it might be time to prioritize sleep.
2. Better emotional regulation.
Sleep is not solely about waking up feeling refreshed and alert. Another vital component of the sleep secret involves the ability to manage emotions effectively. Dr. Nelson asks, “Can you maintain control over your emotions without major outbursts or breakdowns, or do you tend to react dramatically to small triggers?” If you’ve been feeling irritable lately, it could indicate that you need to improve your sleep quality.
3. Enhanced learning and memory capabilities.
Memory processes take place during sleep, according to Dr. Nelson, including everything you’ve learned throughout the day. “One of the primary brain functions that occurs during sleep is the processing of information acquired during the day and the consolidation of memories,” she explains. “Are you finding it easy to learn and retain new information and skills? Have you become increasingly forgetful?”
In summary: Making high-quality sleep a priority should be an essential part of your daily brain-health routine, right alongside that crossword puzzle. So, let’s invest in blackout curtains, eliminate blue-light distractions, and consider supplements if you feel you need the extra help—because it’s time to get some quality sleep.
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