Within the framework of Science Week, this Friday we celebrated a Instagram Live under the name "The impact of sleep on the brain and health» in which the Dr. Ana Fernandez Arcos, a neurologist and researcher in the Clinical Research Group and Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), has delved into how poor rest can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

During the talk, the researcher stressed that «Sleeping between 7 and 9 hours a day is essential for brain health. Sleep is linked to key physiological processes, such as the elimination of neurotoxins and memory consolidation. Poor rest not only affects cognitive function, but is also linked to emotional disorders and an increased risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's».

The researchers also addressed the signs that indicate that sleep disorders, such as insomnia or apnea, may be affecting brain health. As the researcher has highlighted, it is important to identify these disorders early, since they can be a risk factor and in some cases also early signs of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, she has recommended different practices to improve sleeping habits, such as maintaining a stable routine with a regular schedule, trying to disconnect from the daily activity, trying to reduce the use of electronic devices before sleeping and maintaining an active life.

«Sleep quality is closely related to our emotional and cognitive health. In the long term, poor rest can contribute to anxiety problems, depression and a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases», the expert explained.

You can recover the full conversation here.