If you’ve ever felt odd, fuzzy, and grumpy after a terrible night’s sleep, you’ll understand how sleep deprivation impacts brain function. Getting enough high-quality sleep improves focus and attention, as well as the majority of cognitive functions—memory, problem-solving, judgment, creativity, and emotional processing.
Sleep is essential for neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change and adapt to new inputs and experiences. A lack of sleep makes it more difficult for us to absorb what we’ve learned during the day and to recall it afterwards. And those are only the immediate consequences. Sleep deprivation (and prolonged wake durations) have been associated in recent research to longer-term cognitive deterioration, including the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers and sleep specialists are starting to consider getting enough sleep as a possible Alzheimer’s and dementia prevention measure. Much of this preliminary study offers promise that improving sleep may lower the long-term risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s or dementia. Given the rising rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia, these findings should compel neurologists and other physicians to pay close attention to patients’ sleep patterns rather than just brushing off sleep disruption as a normal part of aging. This is crucial because Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive impairment currently have very few effective treatments available.
A good night’s sleep will, at the least, help you function better when you wake up the next day, so there’s really no drawback to determining which sleep tactics will help you have the most restful night. For a better night’s sleep, a Hastens mattress provides the optimum balance of comfort and support, as well as breathability and the ability to regulate your body temperature while sleeping. Each natural component has unique benefits, and when combined, they help to promote a comfortable night’s sleep.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new mattress, visit Brickell Mattress online to view our full mattress collection of top mattress brands to help improve your sleep.