Dream expert Theresa Cheung suggests that sleeping on your left side may lead to more nightmares due to stress on the heart, while back sleepers also experience more nightmares, potentially due to breathing issues like sleep apnea. Right-side sleeping might result in more positive dreams, and front sleepers are reported to have more empowering dreams. Cheung emphasizes the importance of sleep hygiene and comfort in reducing nightmares, advising those affected to experiment with different sleeping positions, particularly if they suffer from heartburn or other conditions.
Research indicates that abstaining from alcohol can lead to improved sleep quality, as even a small amount of alcohol in the evening can disrupt sleep patterns and prevent restorative sleep. A study from a Dry January challenge showed that 56% of participants reported better sleep without alcohol. However, experts advise that regular drinkers should reduce alcohol intake gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms like insomnia.
The latest trend in interior design, known as "color drenching," involves painting a bedroom in a single, monochromatic color scheme, including walls, ceiling, bedding, and window treatments, to create a serene atmosphere that may improve sleep quality. This approach simplifies the decorating process and can be adapted for renters with temporary fabric solutions. Designers suggest using the same hue and finish for a cohesive look, finding matching accessories, using mirrors to amplify the effect, and not shying away from unconventional color choices to set a moody and romantic scene.
A study from the University of California San Francisco published in Neurology suggests that disrupted sleep in adults in their 30s and 40s may lead to memory problems and poorer cognitive performance a decade later. The study, which followed 526 people over 11 years, found that those with the most fragmented sleep had more than twice the odds of poor cognitive outcomes compared to those with the least disrupted sleep. While the study does not prove causation, it highlights the importance of sleep quality over quantity for cognitive health and suggests a potential prevention strategy for Alzheimer's disease. The CDC recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for most adults, emphasizing the impact of sleep on mood, productivity, and safety. Other studies also link poor sleep with increased dementia risk and suggest that addressing sleep issues may reduce the risk of dementia and death.
A study published in Neurology suggests that middle-aged individuals with disrupted sleep patterns are at double the risk of cognitive decline compared to those with less sleep interruption. The research, which followed 526 people over 11 years, indicates that sleep quality is more crucial for cognitive health than sleep quantity. While the study found a significant association between sleep disturbance and later cognitive issues, further research is needed to explore the potential link and its implications for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Wearing socks to bed can help you fall asleep faster by triggering vasodilation, which is beneficial for warmth and can aid those with conditions like Raynaud's disease. However, there are downsides such as overheating, especially with synthetic or thick socks, and hygiene issues that can lead to infections if socks are not clean and breathable. Tight socks can also impair circulation. For optimal sleep, choose socks made of natural, soft, and breathable fibers like cotton, wool, or cashmere, ensuring they fit well without being constrictive.
A study published in Neurology suggests that poor sleep quality in middle age may be linked to cognitive decline later in life. Researchers followed 526 individuals over 11 years and found that those with the most disrupted sleep patterns had more than double the odds of experiencing poor cognitive performance a decade later. The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasizes the importance of sleep quality for long-term cognitive health, although it does not establish a direct causal relationship. Further research is needed to explore the connection between sleep disturbances and cognitive function at different life stages, potentially offering new prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurology suggests that individuals in their 30s and 40s with fragmented sleep patterns are more than twice as likely to experience cognitive decline a decade later. The research, which tracked sleep quality using wrist monitors and later assessed cognitive abilities, found that those with the most disrupted sleep had a higher likelihood of poor cognitive performance. The findings highlight the importance of sleep quality over quantity for cognitive health in middle age and suggest a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed to explore the connection between sleep disturbances and cognition at different life stages.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that disrupted sleep in midlife, characterized by frequent short interruptions, is linked to poorer cognitive function 11 years later. This association was found to be more significant than sleep duration or self-reported sleep quality. The study, which included over 500 participants, indicates that sleep fragmentation could be an early risk factor for cognitive problems and potentially Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of sleep quality for cognitive health starting in midlife. Further research is needed to understand the connection between sleep disturbances and cognition throughout different life stages.
Research indicates that the quality of sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep, is crucial for health, with a decrease in this deep sleep stage being linked to an increased risk of developing dementia as one ages. Experts suggest focusing on the quality of sleep, such as achieving more slow-wave sleep, which is essential for memory consolidation and immune function, rather than just the quantity of sleep.
To improve sleep quality in 2024, experts recommend establishing a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and reserving the bed for sleep and sex only. If awake for more than 20-30 minutes, it's advised to get up rather than stay in bed, to prevent the bed from becoming associated with wakefulness. For persistent sleep issues, professional sleep training or consulting a sleep specialist may be necessary.
