Sleep
Alzheimer’s has always been a mysterious disease. Scientists have not yet found the cause of Alzheimer’s, let alone a cure or proper treatment of it. Recent studies show, however, that there may be a correlation between sleep and the progression of Alzheimer’s. But first, let’s aim for a better understanding of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is considered the most common form of dementia, usually diagnosed in those aged over 65. At this point, it is still terminal and incurable. Alzheimer’s is known to be caused by plaques or tangles in the brain. The degenerative aspects of Alzheimer’s may be its most defining characteristic, a horrifically slow death brought upon by the degeneration of the senses and loss of memory. As it is a degenerative disease, the medical community focuses on the management of patients suffering with Alzheimer’s. Common preventive and management measures include mental stimulation, exercise, and a proper diet. As you can tell, these measures are anything but technically medical. Suffice to say, scientists and researchers have been hard at work in clinical trials and experiments to find any breakthroughs regarding the disease.
It is a bit ironic, then, that sleep has been found to correlate with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Sleep, the most instinctual function of humans, was found to lower the levels of proteins in the brain and spinal fluid that cause the onset of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. Conversely, wakefulness was found to raise the levels of these proteins, leading scientists to the conclusion that sleep, or the lack of sleep, may in fact lead to Alzheimer’s. As the exact cause of these plaques are still unknown, the assumption is made that these proteins can eventually clump and lead to symptoms of Alzheimer’s. This discovery is big for scientists, who now better understand the onset of Alzheimer’s. To the everyday public, though, the information acts as a wake up call. No longer can a workaholic claim that he or she does not need sleep.
When people hear that they may permanently lose brain cells to a lack of sleep, they may reconsider catching up on Survivor after work and catch a few extra winks. Here are some tips for good sleep that can help you protect your brain:
1. Exercise daily – Daily exercise can help you get a good night of sleep. Exercise kills two birds with one stone, as it is commonly used for the management of Alzheimer’s. In addition to these two benefits, exercise is extremely beneficial to your overall health, even if it is not extremely intense. A brisk 30 minute walk or jog can help your sleep quality and do wonders for your health.
2. Avoid the bright lights of electronics before you sleep – Using the computer up to the minute before you sleep may make it hard to fall asleep. This goes the same for watching television. If possible, keep your sleeping area separate from your electronics. Stop using the computer at least 30 minutes before you head to bed, it will help your body get ready for the night.
3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking - Each of these three are commonly consumed on a daily basis, and each of them can cause a sleepless night. Tobacco smoke and caffeine can stimulate the brain, making it hard to fall asleep. Alcohol, while seemingly sleep inducing, actually deteriorates the quality of sleep.
