It’s not just the time spent in bed that’s important. Sleep quality, whether we sleep soundly or we’re waking up a lot is also important, as is the timing and the regularity of our sleep. All these aspects of sleep play a role in determining its benefits.
As people get older, many suffer cognitive decline that may eventually result in Alzheimer’s. Sleep quality also often worsens as people age. Could worsening sleep quality be a factor in causing cognitive decline? The answer appears to be yes it could be.
Sleep is a biological process that is vital for humans and for all other animal species as well. Sleep restores the health and well-being of both the mind and the body more so than any other single factor. We all can feel this after a good night’s sleep.
It’s astonishing how much the amount of the sleep we get affects our health, mentally and physically. Many are unaware of how vitally important sleep is. I’ve been guilty of paying insufficient attention to sleep, and my health has suffered because of it.
A sleep-deprived brain is impaired in its ability to learn and to make new memories. Sleep is also required after new learning in order to permanently store the new learning and not to forget. Good mental functioning depends on getting lots of good sleep.
In order to optimize our health, it’s essential to make sleep a priority since optimal health and well-being are impossible without an adequate amount of sleep. So in addition to prioritizing diet and exercise, place a high priority on good sleep as well.
