Advertisement
The One Habit A Neuroscientist Prioritizes Over All Others For Brain Health
If you're pushing yourself to get out of bed for an early morning workout, consider this permission to sleep through the alarm. While exercise is essential for overall health, neglecting sleep might cancel out the brain-supporting benefits.
"Of all the healthy brain habits, sleep still seems to be the one that people put on the back burner," says Tara Swart, M.D., Ph.D., neuroscientist and author of The Source. "In my opinion, it is more important than diet, exercise, hydration, and even meditation," she adds.
Why is sleep more important for the brain?
When we're sleeping, the brain is repairing cells, restoring energy, and creating new memories. When we forgo sleep to stay up late watching TV, or struggle to fall asleep due to stress, anxiety, or other external influences, the brain doesn't have time to recuperate.
Diet, exercise, hydration, and meditation all support the brain in various ways. However, "If you are not getting a sufficient amount of sleep, you will not have a sufficient amount of energy to tackle all of these other things," Swart says.
Think about it: When you're both hungry and exhausted, you may be more likely to order takeout than prepare a nutritious meal. If you're sleep-deprived during a workday, you might prioritize coffee over water, leading to dehydration. And rather than staying present during meditation, well, you may just drift into a light slumber.
Not only does sleep allow the brain to get rid of excess waste and increase energy levels, but it also supports gut health, immune functioning, and overall mood1 (hence the term: waking up on the wrong side of the bed).
How to promote better sleep.
Poor sleep affects us beyond nighttime tossing and turning. The effects of sleep deprivation on the brain can end up influencing other areas of our health and lifestyle choices. Here are a few ways to promote better sleep:
- Stick to a nightly routine and bedtime.
- Try sleeping naked.
- If your partner keeps you up at night, consider a sleep divorce.
- Figure out how many hours of sleep you need.
- Wind down before bed without electronics.
- Take a sleep-supporting supplement.
- Keep your bedroom cool.
Bottom line.
Sacrificing sleep for exercise, work, or other responsibilities is actually counterproductive. You'll get more out of your day if you have more energy to put into it, so give your brain and your body time to sleep.
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
What Is Meditation?
Box Breathing
What Breathwork Can Address
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
What to Eat Before a Workout
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love Languages
Advertisement
What Men Are Getting Wrong About Mental Health, From A Psychologist
Stephen B. Poulter, PhD
Your Grandma's Go-To Supplement Is Once Again Popular (For A Good Reason)
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
What Men Are Getting Wrong About Mental Health, From A Psychologist
Stephen B. Poulter, PhD
Your Grandma's Go-To Supplement Is Once Again Popular (For A Good Reason)
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN