ecoPharmacist

Why Do We Need Sleep?

Why do we need sleep? Well sleep benefits you and I in many ways. For one it actually helps your immune system’s function. Other ways it helps is with your metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions. How many hours of sleep do we need? Well, 3-6 year olds need about 10-12 hours a day. 7-12 year olds need about 10-11 hours. 12-18 year olds need about 8-9 hours a day. If you noticed, you don’t need as much sleep as you get older. With teenagers, it’s because their teenager social pressure conspires against the proper amount of sleep.

Being disturbed while sleeping can result in you not being able to process something you learned. When having a good night’s sleep, it will allow you to process what you had learned better. When you don’t get enough sleep, you can’t focus as well as someone who did get enough sleep. So make sure you get enough sleep to stay at your best.

Today’s featured Kids Corner blogger is Kaila, age 11

Exercise and the brain

Exercise and the brain go hand in hand.  As previously discussed, it reduces the risks associated with certain diseases, and combats depression and stress, and much more. You just need to find your reason and set an exercise goal! Here’s another one, which especially applies to those of us (including me) experiencing the brain fog that comes with age: exercise changes the brain in ways that protect memory and thinking skills.

Exercise affects the brain on multiple fronts. It increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain. It also aids the bodily release of a plethora of hormones, all of which participate in aiding and providing a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells, improving memory and thinking skills!

So remember when you go to blow off that New Year’s exercise resolution remember these tips from BrainHQ.com:

• In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain.
• Aerobic exercise is great for body and brain: not only does it improve brain function, but it also acts as a “first aid kit” on damaged brain cells.
• Exercising in the morning before going to work not only spikes brain activity and prepares you for mental stresses for the rest of the day, but also produces increases retention of new information, and better reaction to complex situations.
• When looking to change up your work out, look for an activity that incorporates coordination along with cardiovascular exercise, such as a dance class.
• If you like crunching time at the gym alone, opt for circuit work outs, which both quickly spike your heart rate, but also constantly redirect your attention.
• Hitting a wall or mentally exhausted? Try rebooting with a few jumping jacks for your brain improvement exercises.

http://www.brainhq.com/brain-resources/everyday-brain-fitness/physical-exercise