The Nightly Brain Reset You Can't Afford to Miss

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted September 21, 2024

We all know sleep is essential.

It’s right up there with eating your vegetables and getting regular exercise. But let’s be honest—many of us don’t prioritize it as we should.

We’re up in the middle of the night, tossing and turning, struggling to fall asleep, or waking up feeling irritable and exhausted. We often shrug it off as just another part of our busy lives.

However, new research reveals that this casual attitude towards sleep could harm our brains. And it’s not just about feeling groggy the next day—we’re talking about hampering your brain’s ability to form and retain memories.

Scientists at Cornell University made a groundbreaking discovery about what happens in our brains while we sleep. Using a mouse model, they discovered that during sleep, a crucial part of the brain where memories are stored—the hippocampus—goes “silent.”

Now, brain silence doesn’t sound like a good thing. But it turns out that this quiet period is precisely what our noodles need to prepare for the next day’s memories.

Here’s how it works: During the day, neurons in specific areas of the hippocampus (CA1 and CA3) are busy creating memories from our experiences. But these hardworking cells can’t keep going indefinitely. They need a break to “reset” to be ready to make new memories the next day.

That’s where sleep comes in. When we drift off to dreamland, these areas of the hippocampus go quiet, allowing the neurons to reset. It’s like closing up shop for the night so everything can be fresh and ready for business in the morning.

But, if we don’t get enough quality sleep, this reset process can’t happen properly. The result? Our brain’s ability to form and retain new memories is compromised.

This research helps explain why sleep is so crucial for learning and memory. It’s not just about feeling refreshed—it’s about giving your brain the downtime it needs to prepare for new information and experiences.

So, the next time you’re tempted to skimp on sleep, remember this: every hour of shut-eye is an investment in your brain’s ability to learn, remember, and function at its best.

Now, I admit getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging. That’s why I want to share three supplements that could boost your sleep quality:

• Melatonin: This hormone naturally regulates your sleep-wake cycle. A small dose (0.5 to 3 mg) taken 30 minutes before bedtime signals your body that it’s time to sleep.

• Magnesium: This mineral is crucial in regulating neurotransmitters directly related to sleep. Try 200 to 400 mg before bed, but start with a lower dose to see how your body responds.
• L-theanine: An amino acid found in tea leaves, L-theanine promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. A typical dose is 200 to 400 mg about an hour before bedtime.

Remember, while these supplements can help, they’re not a substitute for good sleep habits. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

Your brain works hard for you all day long. Give it the nightly reset it needs, and you’ll be rewarded with better memory, sharper thinking, and improved overall health.

Sweet dreams!

P.S. THIS simple light trick unlocks better sleep and mood.

Source:

Karaba, L. A., Robinson, H. L., Harvey, R. E., Chen, W., Fernandez-Ruiz, A., & Oliva, A. (2024). A hippocampal circuit mechanism to balance memory reactivation during sleep. Science.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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