Sweet Dreams

Want a healthier brain? You need to sleep smarter and better, according to Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

Maintaining healthy sleep habits is imperative for optimal brain function and production of synaptic proteins, the good stuff we need for healthy cellular functioning. 

Quality sleep wards off serious long-term illnesses like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. 

Many of us want better sleep habits, but where do we begin? Dr. Breus believes the number-one healthy habit to adopt is to maintain a regular sleep schedule: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Yes, even on the weekends. While it can be challenging sticking to a bedtime routine, if you break the last hour of your day down into three twenty-minute sessions, as the so-called Power Down Hour, you can establish a beneficial nighttime ritual. 

Other important sleep habits include daily exercise, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed, and keeping your bedroom at a cool temperature. Think of sleep as the best non-drug treatment for your brain.