Lack Of Sleep Linked To Alzheimer's Disease
Several Scientific studies discovered that sleep deprivation is linked to Alzheimer's disease. A new study found that a lack of sleep can leave the brain susceptible to Alzheimer's. Scientists at UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab discovered evidence that missing out on deep non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep may leave the brain more vulnerable to the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that sleep deprivation increases levels of the key Alzheimer's protein tau. And, in follow-up studies have shown that sleeplessness accelerates the spread through the brain of toxic clumps of tau - a harbinger of brain damage and decisive step along the path to dementia.
These findings, published online Jan. 24 in the journal Science, indicate that lack of sleep alone helps drive the disease, and suggests that good sleep habits may help preserve brain health.
According to two new studies, lack of sleep could help promote the development of Alzheimer's disease. A warning sign may come before any symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: Adults who do not get enough deep sleep may be on their way to developing the disease.
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most pervasive and debilitating forms of dementia. It has been shown that disturbances in sleep may actually set the stage for dementia.
There's growing evidence that a lack of deep sleep increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists say that's because during deep sleep, the brain removes toxins associated with Alzheimer's.
Another study demonstrated the negative effects of sleep deprivation on beta-amyloid burden in the human brain. That research provided new insight about the potentially harmful effects of a lack of sleep on the brain and has implications for better characterizing the pathology of Alzheimer's disease," says Dr. George F. Koob, director of NIAAA.
Beta-amyloid is a metabolic waste product present in the fluid between brain cells. In Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid clumps together to form amyloid plaques, negatively impacting communication between neurons.
Alzheimer's, a brain disease, develops when abnormal proteins collect in the brain. The symptoms include difficulty performing a daily activity, memory loss, changes in the behavior and emotions. These all are called as dementia symptoms, and these are not irreversible that means any loss of ability that developed the condition cannot come back. The disease is not curable, however, there are Alzheimer's disease treatments and other lifestyle choices that may provide relief from Alzheimer's disease symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Our brain clears out toxins associated with Alzheimer's during sleep. It has been demonstrated that disrupting a deep phase of sleep appears to cause more of the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease to collect in your brain. The interruption could lead to higher levels of a protein called beta amyloid that forms plaque associated with Alzheimer's disorder.
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Previous studies suggested that poor sleep quality was associated with the presence of amyloid plaques in cognitively healthy individuals, and that even one night of sleep deprivation can increase the levels of amyloid in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that bathes the brain.
Having a lack of sleep for a long period may give rise to the unhealthy build up of brain plaque which is responsible for killing off neurons and wiping of the memory. Longer stretches may also give rise to higher levels of tau protein that can cause damage to brain cells.
It has been clearly shown that disturbed sleep is linked with higher levels of two Alzheimer's associated proteins.
According to recent research, poor or interrupted sleep raises the risk of cognitive problems. People who have sleep apnea, a condition in which an individual repeatedly stop breathing at night. These people are at high-risk of developing mild cognitive issues earlier than people without the sleeping problems. The mild cognitive problem is considered as an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease.
Tips to encourage quality sleep
There are some ways that can be followed to promote healthy sleep patterns. Some of the effective tricks are as follows:
1. Quit caffeine- caffeine is found in beverages like tea, coffee, soda, etc. may add to the lack of sleep. It is considered as a stimulant, which makes it hard for an individual to sleep at night.
2. Get involve in physical activity. It is important for people who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease to take out the time to perform daily activities. This can promote healthy sleep, which in turn improves your brain function. One can also indulge in an exercise program or can go for a morning brisk walk.
3. Balance the daily routine: Incorporate stimulating activities such as errands, family meals, appointments, and exercise into the morning and middle of the day. Reserve evenings for a low-energy routine of soothing activities such as listening to music, reading out loud, and spending time with pets.
4. Avoid stimulating activity and stressful situations before bedtime. This includes checking messages on social media, big discussions or arguments with your spouse or family, or catching up on work. Postpone these things until the morning.
5. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Noise, light, and a bedroom that's too hot or cold, or an uncomfortable mattress or pillow can all interfere with sleep. Try using a sound machine or earplugs to mask outside noise, an open window or fan to keep the room cool, and blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light. Experiment with different levels of mattress firmness, foam toppers, and pillows that provide the support you need to sleep comfortably.
6. Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed. Electronic screens emit a blue light that disrupts your body's production of melatonin and combats sleepiness. So instead of watching TV or spending time on your phone, tablet, or computer, choose another relaxing activity, such as reading a book or listening to soft music.
7. Avoid naps. Napping during the day can make it more difficult to sleep at night. If you feel like you have to take a nap, limit it to 30 minutes before 3 p.m.
8. Control Your Room Temperature. Extreme cold or warmth can cause you to sleep poorly. Be sure to maintain a comfortable room temperature that won't aggravate you during the night. If you have a waterbed be sure to set the water temperature at a comfortable temperature as well.
9. Avoid Drinking too many liquids. Waking up at night to go to the bathroom becomes a bigger problem as we age. By not drinking anything an hour before sleep and going to the bathroom several times as you get ready for bed, you can reduce the frequency you'll wake up to go during the night.
10. Do Something Relaxing Before Going To Bed - Doing something that relaxes you before bed is good such as a warm bath, reading a book, or watching your favorite TV show.
11. The best way to a good night's sleep and to reclaim your inner peace and rest is through prayer. Prayer is a powerful sleep inducer. Try it, it works.
"Natural" Supplement To Help You Get A Good Night Sleep
There is an "All Natural" Sleep inducer that can help you get a good night sleep called Pearl Powder. Pearl Powder has Sedation and tranquilization properties? Scientific research discovered that pearl can increase positive "elevated mood" neurotransmitters, and thus reduce the level of stress, and promote a more peaceful, positive internal biochemistry, to promote deep sleep.
Pearl Powder is an adaptogen. Its dual-action activity works to stabilize and balance the body by providing energy throughout the day and promoting sleep and relaxation at night. Pearl has shown positive effects against insomnia. Pearl is "cold" in nature and its action against insomnia is through reducing excess "liver heat" which is another reason why Pearl helps to calm the mind and central nervous system.
Similar studies have been reported that when pearl powder is taken internally, relieves dizziness, headaches and irritability.
Pearl Powder is renown for its amazing health and beauty benefits, however one of the most well-known and sought-after health benefits of pearl powder is for its calming and relaxing properties. It has been used to relieve stress, soothe the nervous system, improve the emotional state of mind, and induce deeper sleep, and scientists may have discovered why.
Aside from the generally calming effects that calcium has in the body, it has been shown to elevate GABA levels in the brain and body. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that is often deficient in people with anxiety and chronic stress. Researchers suspect that GABA may have a calming, relaxing effect on the nervous system, a anxiety or mood disorders. It has also been effective in treating attention deficite-hyperactivity disorder.
Many people have found pearl powder to be calming and stabilizing. This was, and still is, one of the main uses for the substance in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
Pearl Powder also Boost Your Brain Function - Improve Memory Loss. Research indicates certain nutrients in pearl nacre, such as amino acids, protein, ascorbic acid, omega-3s are beneficial for brain health. They also help keep cognitive function intact as you age by reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Prion, Neurone, Huntington's Spinoc).
Research found that pearl can significantly improve cellular, humoral and cellular phagocytosis (Harman D.Age, 1983; 6: 86), to enhance learning and memory. The oral composition can raise biological utilization to improve memory loss.
Pearl powder contains over 30 minerals, like calcium, magnesium, copper, silica, iron and selenium. All of these minerals are essential for brain function.
We all need deep sleep to keep us healthy and alive. Let Pearl Powder be your all-natural brain function and memory enhancer to help improve cognitive function, and help you get a restful good nights sleep.
Simply put 1/4 tsp Pearl Powder into milk, juice, water, smoothie etc. and drink!
There are many things you can do to improve your sleep - the most important is to allow yourself 7-8 hours of sleep. Avoid indulging in activities like playing games etc. instead, play some soothing music or have a shower for a good nightly routine to signal bedtime.
Maintaining a regular bedtime routine and sleep schedule, and abstaining from caffeine and alcohol near bedtime, is very important.
A sound night's sleep is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle - and can even help keep Alzheimer's at bay.
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