Getting a good night’s sleep
Sleep is vital for optimal brain health. During sleep our body cells detoxify and cleanse, and our brain cells are no exception. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for restful sleep, however as we age we produce less, and therefore older individuals often experience more trouble sleeping.
Melatonin has a significant role to play in neurodegenerative disorders as it is an antioxidant and helps optimise the healthy function of nerve and brain tissue.
Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is possibly a dream for many of us. It is important for each of us to find the sleep strategies that work most effectively for us, but here are some general tips:
- Keep a regular sleep cycle
- Naturally regulate your sleep/wake cycle
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine
- Eat well and get regular exercise
- Avoid screens and fluorescent lighting before bedtime. These emit blue light which suppresses melatonin production