YOUR VITALITY FIRST!
DEEP Sleep And Your Brain Health

Quality sleep is critical for your brain to function at its best on all levels.  Research has found that, in particular, you need to reach deep sleep in order for your glymphatic system to effectively do its remarkable job of cleansing your brain cells of metabolic waste from all your daily brain activity.  Toxins cleared out of the brain include amyloid plaque, the build-up of which is connected with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease later in life.  Studies have found that amyloid tends to accumulate in areas of the brain associated with deep sleep.  So the less you sleep deeply, the more the toxins collect in the deep sleep areas of the brain, which can lead to more inability to reach deep sleep....and so forth.  

If you already get quality, deep, restorative sleep every night, fantastic!  

If you need some help, here are some tips for getting a great night's deep sleep:

     -Set the intention to prioritize your health and longevity.  

     -Avoid screen technology 1-2 hours before bed, including          TV, movies, i pad, cell phone.  During sleep time, turn your      cell phone off.   

     -Avoid alcohol or caffeine in the evening.

     -Go to sleep at the same time every night and get up at the      same time in the morning.

     -Keep your sleeping environment cool, around 65-68                degrees; to sleep, body temperature needs to drop a bit.

     -Use blackout curtains and dim lights so your body does not      think it is supposed to be awake.

     -A soothing, comfortable space that supports sleep is very          important.  Separate yourself from noises that keep you            awake or interrupt your sleep during the night, such as              snoring (even if it means sleeping in separate bedrooms and      reconnecting with your spouse or significant other in the          morning).   

     -If you suspect sleep apnea may be disrupting your sleep,          get tested sooner than later.

     -If you cannot sleep on a given night, get up instead of              staying in bed.  This avoids rising anxiety from                          frustration over trying to sleep even when you can't.  You          can do something gentle for yourself, such as read,                    meditate, take a warm shower or tub bath, drink an herbal        tea.

If you find that you need additional support, CranioSacral Therapy can help your central nervous system to dial down high adrenaline fight or flight responses that can keep you wired and awake and instead dial up your rest, relax and restore responses, which can encourage deep, revitalizing sleep for your brain and body health.

Please share this information with your friends, colleagues 
and loved ones who may benefit from it and
encourage them to put their vitality first. 

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   Reclaim your vibrancy, empower your health and THRIVE
 
Monica Aranguren, LMT, CST  
Vital Core Healing
530 Great Road, Ste. 200 
Acton, MA  01720
and 
1113 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02465               
(978) 387-2854