Sleep Could Slow Cognitive Decline - Study

A study has shown getting quality sleep could slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, which affects around 1 in 100 New Zealanders.

The research results, published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging journal, suggested getting a good night’s sleep could be even more important than many would imagine - perhaps even helping to hold off mental deterioration.

More than 48,000 Kiwis were estimated to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, and that figure is projected to triple to affect 2.6% of the population by the year 2050.

In the placebo-controlled study, some patients with Alzheimer’s disease were treated with add-on prolonged-release melatonin (commonly called  the ‘sleep hormone’) to measure the effects of increased sleep on their brains.

According to the report, the melatonin had positive effects on cognitive function compared to the placebo treatment, suggesting a possible link between poor sleep and cognitive decline.
The research has once again highlighted the importance of quality sleep, and the power it has to ensure good health in both body and mind.

Sleep has been proven to affect almost every tissue in the body, and scientists believe getting regular deep sleep could help keep heart disease, obesity and diabetes at bay.
Not only that, but getting enough sleep helps enable a clearer head, improved memory, and a stronger immune system.

“Sleep is such an essential part of ensuring good health and mental acuity, no matter how old you are or what health issues you may be facing,” says Simon Musgrave of sleep support company Tru2U.

“Sleep is as important to health as food and water. And studies like this one conducted on Alzheimer’s patients are proving how much of an impact sleep could have on your quality of life not just now, but also as you age.”

TIPS FOR A BETTER SLEEP

Routine
Try to establish a regular time that you go to bed and get up every day - setting up a routine helps your body regulate sleep and get to sleep easier.

Wind down time
Set a buffer of one hour before going to bed where you don’t watch TV, use your computer or smartphone to allow your brain and body to calm down and relax before sleep.

Natural remedies
There are good quality natural remedies available if sleep is evading you - choose a product that contains tart cherries, such as Tru2U Sleep Support Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, as the phytonutrients present in the fruit have been shown to support healthy regular sleep patterns, for a restful nights sleep.

Try an app
If you’re having trouble drifting off, try downloading an app to help you zone out - nature sounds, rain water falling on the roof, or meditation, it’s all available at the click of a button and may help you get into deeper sleep, faster.