All articles tagged with #sleep
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that jellyfish and sea anemones, despite lacking brains, sleep in patterns similar to humans, supporting the theory that sleep evolved to repair DNA in nerve cells and highlighting its fundamental biological role across species.
The article explains how fiber, water, sleep, and exercise play crucial roles in helping the body detoxify by removing toxins, supporting organ health, and improving overall well-being, emphasizing long-term lifestyle changes over quick fixes.
Napping can boost alertness and performance when done correctly, ideally for 20-30 minutes and not after 3pm, with longer naps (60-90 minutes) being beneficial but potentially disruptive to nighttime sleep. The motivation for napping varies, and it should complement, not replace, good nighttime sleep. Using tools like eye masks and establishing routines can improve nap quality, but naps are most useful as a short-term aid rather than a daily necessity, especially if one already gets sufficient sleep.
A UK NHS doctor shares three key lifestyle changes to improve insulin sensitivity: regular muscle movement like walking or strength training, giving insulin a break by avoiding constant snacking and long gaps between meals, and ensuring adequate sleep while managing stress, to help prevent insulin resistance and related health issues.
The article introduces a 5-day Brain Health Challenge emphasizing the importance of healthy habits like proper sleep, physical activity, social connection, and nutrition to improve and maintain brain health, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and promote long-term brain resilience.
A US doctor suggests that eating peanut butter two hours before bed may help improve sleep quality due to its tryptophan, healthy fats, and magnesium content, which can promote relaxation and deeper rest. However, it may not work for everyone and should be tried as a low-risk, diet-based alternative to medication.
The article discusses the common afternoon energy slump caused by natural biological processes and offers practical tips such as moderate caffeine intake, balanced meals, hydration, physical activity, social interaction, exposure to light, and good sleep hygiene to combat fatigue and boost alertness throughout the day.
This article emphasizes that improving health in the new year doesn't have to focus on weight loss. It suggests five evidence-based habits: eating more plants, exercising regularly, managing stress, improving sleep, and reducing alcohol intake, all of which can lead to better health outcomes regardless of weight changes.
New research from OHSU shows that getting at least seven hours of sleep per night is strongly linked to longer lifespan, surpassing diet and exercise in importance, and emphasizing the need to prioritize sleep for better health and longevity.
Magnesium and zinc are minerals that can support sleep, with magnesium helping to relax the nervous system and zinc playing a supporting role in hormone production related to sleep. Magnesium may be more effective for those struggling to fall asleep, while zinc supports overall sleep health. Both have potential side effects and should be used cautiously, ideally under medical guidance. Lifestyle changes are also recommended to improve sleep quality.
The article highlights seven simple daily habits of people who appear much younger than their age, including prioritizing sleep, regular movement, eating whole foods, managing stress, nurturing social connections, protecting skin from the sun, and continuous learning. These habits, rooted in consistent, healthy choices, contribute significantly to maintaining vitality and a youthful appearance over time.
Participating in Dry January can lead to health improvements such as better sleep, mood, and lower blood sugar and blood pressure, with the trend growing in popularity since 2013.
New research shows that ADHD drugs like Adderall and Ritalin do not directly improve attention but instead increase brain arousal and the feeling of reward, making tasks seem more interesting and easier to focus on. The drugs primarily affect brain regions related to wakefulness and motivation, and their effectiveness can be influenced by sleep quality. This challenges previous beliefs about how these medications work and suggests a need to reevaluate their role in treating ADHD.
The article emphasizes that while the perfect morning routine varies for everyone, establishing a consistent set of simple habits—such as getting enough sleep, exposure to morning light, light exercise, and mindfulness practices—can significantly improve mood, productivity, and overall well-being. It advocates for adding one small change at a time to build sustainable habits and highlights the importance of listening to one's body and preferences.
Recent research highlights that sleep is as crucial as exercise for health, with only about 13% of people meeting both sleep and physical activity guidelines simultaneously. The study shows that adequate sleep positively influences physical activity levels the next day, emphasizing the importance of balancing both for healthy aging and reducing long-term health risks.