“U R Your Brain”
Compiled by Ken Kosko, Ed. D., Western Oregon University
Peter O. Kohler, M.D., OHSU President: "The brain remains the last great frontier of medical science."
Tips for a Healthy Brain (Kohler)
Nourish Your Brain
Antioxidant rich foods, eat breakfast, avoid excess of fats, salt, meat and sugar. Take appropriate vitamins and supplements.
Rest & Relax Your Brain
Plenty of sleep, manage stress
Protect Your Brain
Seat belts, helmets, avoid smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse
Exercise Your Brain
Physical exercise stimulates new cell growth, try something different; each time you engage in new activities, your brain builds new pathways
Support & Enjoy Your Brain
Maintain strong social connections with family and friends. The brain thrives on social contact.
The Role of Sleep in Nourishing the Brain
Adapted from Moore-EDE, M., MD & LeVert, S (1998) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting a Good Night's Sleep. New York: Alpha Books.
REM sleep, or dreaming sleep, helps consolidate your memories and emotions.
Benefits
- Recharge physical and psychological batteries
- Help body cells grow and regenerate
- Energy conservation
- Memory consolidation and discharge of emotions
- Respite for safety
Disturbing the Sleeping Pattern
- Endogenous clock tracks nearly every biological activity whether it is hormones or the frequency of your stomach contractions
- Diminish your alertness
- Create a lifestyle habit and situational sleep disorder
Miscellaneous Web Research
- Sleep disorder can mask like Attention Deficit Disorder: lack of concentration, focus, attention.
- Every aspect of your daily life from diet to exercise to sunlight can effect sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to other physical disorders or acerbate a current problem.
- Lack of sleep enhances stress.
- Sleep deprivation makes learning more difficult.