[ALERT] Poor Sleep Can RUIN Your Golden Years
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 4, 2023
We tend to take sleep for granted.
Well, until we’re no longer getting ENOUGH of it, that is.
It’s not unusual to start having sleep issues as we age. In fact, it’s SO common that folks often chalk it up to “getting older” and they ignore it.
But that’s dangerous. And not just because you end up dragging through your days exhausted…
New research reveals why you should ALWAYS take sleep problems seriously.
A new study finds snoozing less soundly in your golden years could open the door to dementia.
During deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, your brain waves slow considerably.
It’s the most restorative sleep phase, during which the body repairs muscles, cells, and the immune system while strengthening memories.
As we age, the time spent in deep sleep often decreases.
Getting adequate deep sleep is vital for feeling rested and rejuvenated the next day.
But even MORE critical is that a lack of deep sleep is linked to impaired cognitive function, memory issues, and chronic health problems.
And that’s where the new research picks up.
Published in the journal JAMA Neurology, the study followed 346 volunteers and had them do sleep studies about five years apart.
The researchers found that folks who had lost as little as one percent of deep sleep after 60 had a whopping 27 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
In other words, healthy brain aging is linked to healthy sleep.
If you find yourself sleeping less soundly or are worried about your brain health, there ARE some things you can do to improve your deep sleep:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time. A consistent routine signals the body that it’s time for deep regenerative sleep.
- Avoid screen time (smartphones, tablets, computers, and television) for one to two hours before bed. Blue light from these devices can suppress melatonin, which is needed for deep sleep.
- Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment. Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine. And keep temperatures around 65°F (18°C).
- Try taking magnesium. This mineral helps relax muscles and nerves. Supplements or absorbing magnesium through the skin via Epsom salt baths before bed can promote deep sleep.
- Consider a glycine supplement. Studies show this amino acid can increase the time spent in slow-wave sleep.
- Melatonin is the hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Our bodies tend to make less of it as we age. Melatonin supplements help initiate sleep and can increase deep sleep. Start with a low 1-3 mg dose.
- The herb valerian can improve sleep quality and depth. It can be taken as a supplement or tea before bedtime.
- The B vitamins B6, B12, and folate support the brain chemicals involved in sleep/wake cycles and sleep depth. They’re available together in B-Complex supplements.
P.S. Poor sleep? Try a circadian rhythm REBOOT (here’s how).
Source:
Himali JJ, et al. “Association Between Slow-Wave Sleep Loss and Incident Dementia.” JAMA Neurol. Published online October 30, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3889
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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