Good sleep is important to a healthy life. How many of you can relate to feeling like you have been hit by a truck when you stay up too late or go a few nights without a full night of sleep? Did you know that poor sleep is a common risk factor for developing dementia.
Research show that some conventional sleep medicines such as Ativan, Valium and Xanax are linked to increased risk of dementia , as well as proton pump inhibitors used to treat heartburn such as Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium, and Benadryl, Advil PM and Dramamine.
Starting with the obvious, eating at least three hours before going to bed, heading to bed when you first begin to feel tired, best time is between 10 and 10:30, exercise is essential to a good nights sleep, making sure the room is dark, that you don’t have a television in the bedroom, and stop using electronic devices by 9 pm latest and keep them out of the bedroom as the electromagnetic energy is distracting to a good nights sleep.
According to one study, cognitive decline occurred 30-40% faster in those with hearing loss. This coincides with the Chinese theory that healthy kidney energy is important for having a good memory and the ear and hearing can be related to kidney health. Naturopathic and homeopathic doctors help patients find the root cause and a medicine that will help the whole person, and help their sleep as well. Acupuncture and herbal medicines are good options to help with sleep concerns and will keep your mind healthy.