The Effects of Sleep on Memory
Sleep is a vital part of our lives. It provides us with the time we need to let our minds rest and rejuvenate after a long day. But one thing many people don't know about sleep is that it can also have an effect on how well you remember things! This blog post will cover how sleep impacts memory, why this is important, and what you can do about it if you're not getting enough shuteye at night.
Why Do We Need So Much Sleep?
Sleep is a necessary part of our lives for many reasons. On average, humans need between 5-7 hours of sleep every night. If you're younger than 18 or older than 65, the hours of sleep you need increases. Without the proper amount of rest, you can impact your physical health, memory, creativity, and more.
The Effects of Sleep On Memory
Sleep restores mental energy levels by clearing out toxins that build up during periods of wakefulness. This way, you'll be able to concentrate better as your brain can focus without being clouded or fatigued.
If you're trying to solve complex problems while awake, getting enough sleep helps because it gives your subconscious mind time to work through challenging issues. Then, the next day when you're refreshed from slumber, these solutions may just present themselves in an "Aha!" moment!
Without sleep, you're decreasing your ability to focus because your brain wasn't able to process and clear out the previous day's activity. This can be extremely taxing to your brain health.
How To Get A Better Night's Rest
If you're unable to get a solid night of sleep, you're not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from the same issue. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to ensure a better night of sleep.
- Keep A Regular Schedule: Try to keep a regular sleep schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends!
- Listen To Your Body: Follow your body's natural wave cycle of deep sleep in the first half of the night, followed by lighter stages during the second half, leading to more vivid dreams.
- Avoid Alcohol: Avoid alcohol before bedtime as it may help you fall asleep but will make it difficult for you to wake up or stay alert throughout the next day.
- Incorporate exercise: Exercise helps reduce stress hormones that interfere with restful slumber, so try yoga or meditation after work instead of watching TV.
- Change up your sheets: The sheets you're sleeping on might make you too hot or cause you to wake up throughout the night. Try to switch up your sheets to cooling Bamboo or Tencel for an optimal night of rest.
