Get your snoring checked out
Another way to wreck your sleep without realising it is with sleep apnea. According to the US National Institutes of Health, sleep apnoea occurs when a person’s upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. Many factors – from obesity to large tonsils to neuromuscular disorders – can cause sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea not only prevents restful sleep, but untreated it can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions. “If left untreated, sleep apnoea has significant cardiovascular consequences and consequences of mental function,” says Dr Knopman.
Protect your head
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is a strong link between serious head trauma and developing Alzheimer’s later in life, especially if the injury involves loss of consciousness. A 2017 review of research in PLOS One suggests head injuries that require medical attention may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Wear a helmet while cycling, make your home fall-proof, and always use a seat belt to help protect your noggin.
Drink a cup of tea
Green tea has loads of health benefits – including some for your brain. A 2019 systematic review in Nutrients found that green tea might reduce the risk of dementia. And research in the Journal of the American Chemical Society found that it’s a compound in the beverage that can disrupt the formation of toxic plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
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Source: RD.com
Medically reviewed by Dr Renata Chalfin
