Sleep doesn’t only give you energy, boost your metabolism, and help with weight loss…
🔥 Sleep is essential for neuroplasticity 🔥
Neuro what? (you may be asking)
Neuroplasticity means that our brain cells have the ability to reorganize and create new connections—like rewiring.
It’s how people recover function after a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, and it’s also how we train the brain for optimal function as we age 🧠.
Research shows that during sleep, microglia become active in the brain, repairing damage, making new connections, and supporting neuroplasticity.
Sleep is essential for the brain’s ability to reorganize these connections, make new ones, and store memories. During sleep, the brain rests and repairs itself from any damage or stress it has received during the day. It also sorts through memories, consolidates them into long-term memory, and strengthens neural pathways. Without adequate sleep, your brain cells can’t reorganize or create new connections.
Additionally, research has shown that sleep deprivation is linked to a decrease in the number of neural pathways and decreased brain volume. So if you don’t get enough sleep, your brain won’t be as capable of organizing information as efficiently as it could be.
Are you interested in optimizing your brain function as you age?
There are numerous ways to support your brain’s ability to reorganize and create new connections—things like physical activity, nutrition, and stress reduction. But none of these things can compare to the power of sleep in promoting neuroplasticity. So make sure you get enough shut-eye! Your brain will thank you.
Need to level up your sleep routine? Join Dr. Ryan for Body Optimized, to take your sleep habits to the next level and get you closer to your wellness goals.
Reference
The night gardeners: Immune cells rewire, repair brain while we sleep.
