February Sleep Fundamentals

Secret Cells support our overnight brain cleansing – help them help you through sleep

Did you know that our brain is bathed in fluid that is “cleaned” overnight when we sleep? This function is performed by the glymphatic system – a network that removes waste from our brain. The glymphatic system is intimately linked with our Secret Cells, which together work to clear away metabolic waste from our brain. Interestingly, our Secret Cells are the gatekeepers of health here too. Healthy choices made every day support the Secret Cells and continue into the night. Importantly, our brain cleansing system is most effective at night when we sleep.

Why does it matter? Well, our brain doesn’t like to sit surrounded by garbage. Imagine swimming in a big clean ocean versus one riddled with refuse. Besides being a nicer experience, it means fewer obstacles, faster flow for the water, and less exposure to toxins. Seems obvious, right? What does that translate to clinically? Think dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and stroke to name a few.

So now you have yet another reason to cherish sleep. How about some helpful tips?

Sleep hygiene is a good place to start. Suggestions for a good night sleep include consistent bedtimes, a cool room, darkness, limiting blue light (put the cell phone or tablet away), eating >3h before bed, and avoiding alcohol. Seems like a lot perhaps. It doesn’t have to be. Start with simple categories – environment adjustments and human adjustments. Then pick one thing to change in each and see how it goes. Routine is key. Your Secret Cells will thank you!

Challenge:

· Environment: Can you turn down the temperature in your room overnight?

· Human: Can you try eating a healthy meal 3h before bed each night?  

Here’s to making the most out of the “sleepy” month of February!

Happy slumbers.

Kathryn

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