November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time when we think of those affected by the condition and of ways to prevent it in ourselves.  Doctors have recently come up with one more way to avoid an Alzheimer’s diagnosis:  Sleep.
This new research has to do with Beta amyloid, plaque that is found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients.  And those seniors who are not getting enough sleep have more of it than those who sleep well.
Does this mean that if you have insomnia that you are destined for dementia?  No.  But there does seem to be a link between lack of sleep and Alzheimer’s.
But just because we know that sleep is important, it doesn’t mean that we can get the sleep that our bodies need.  We may be doing things to sabotage our sleep, thus putting our brains at risk.  Here are some of the ways you are sabotaging your sleep.
1. Caffeine.  You know not to drink coffee before bed, but did you know that the caffeine in chocolate can also keep you awake?  Also avoid caffeinated teas and soda.
2. Light.  Having bright lights, the television, or computer on before bed can trick your brain into thinking it is daytime.
3. Alcohol.  Although a drink before bead can make you feel sleepy, it can wake you up in the night.
So, avoid these sleep saboteurs and get those zzz’s that your brain really needs. Visit us atFreedom Home Care and learn how we can help your family by proving excellent senior in-home care.
Source: Huffington Post