Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think for Brain Health and Habit Change
Episode Overview
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Sleep supports neuroplasticity, essential for habit change. Alcohol disrupts REM and deep sleep, affecting brain health. Small changes like reducing screen time can improve sleep. Improving sleep can enhance overall well-being and support efforts to drink less.
If neuroplasticity is the engine of behavior change, then sleep is really the premium fuel
This episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast dives into the critical role of sleep in brain health and habit change. Host Molly Watts shares groundbreaking research from Yale School of Medicine that highlights how both too much and too little sleep can lead to brain changes linked to stroke and dementia. If you're on a journey to reduce your alcohol intake or change your drinking habits, understanding the importance of sleep is crucial.
Molly explains how sleep supports neuroplasticity, which is essential for behavior change. She also discusses how alcohol disrupts sleep, impacting REM sleep, deep sleep, and emotional processing. By aiming for the sweet spot of seven to nine hours of sleep per night, you can significantly improve your brain health and support your efforts to drink less. Molly offers practical tips like shutting down screens earlier, opting for herbal tea instead of wine, and tracking your sleep to make gradual improvements.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their well-being and create a healthier relationship with alcohol.