EXERCISE and a good night's sleep really can make your brain work better, according to a study.
Just 30 minutes of moderate activity and sleeping for at least six hours at night could improve memory the following day, according to the University College London.
They measured brain power of 76 adults aged 50-83 after physical activity and sleep for the research.
But how does it work? We spoke to experts who reveal why regular exercise along with sufficient sleep helps boost our memory.
WHY DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPROVE MEMORY?
"Exercise indirectly improves memory by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety which impair memory," says Rachael Mackenzie, neurological physio at Workathlete. "A number of mechanisms directly influence memory by increasing blood flow - and therefore Brain nutrient/oxygen availability - and by promoting the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, the region of the brain that is primarily responsible for memory."
BDNF plays an important role in growth.
DOES EXERCISING REGULARLY ENHANCE THE IMPACT OF THIS?
"Yes, regular exercise amplifies these positive effects on the brain," says Steve Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.
"Consistency in physical activity promotes long-term improvements in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. These processes help to build a more resilient and efficient brain."
Regular exercise can also help reduce some of the risk factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
"Exercise has the double effect of reducing the inflammatory and cardio metabolic risk factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which result in poorer blood flow to the brain and neuronal atrophy alongside the neurotrophic effect of exercise," adds Rachael.
"People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop dementia and if memory problems start to occur, increasing exercise can improve their presentation."
DOES SLEEP COMPLEMENT THIS?
"During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, transferring information from short-term to lo...
Just 30 minutes of moderate activity and sleeping for at least six hours at night could improve memory the following day, according to the University College London.
They measured brain power of 76 adults aged 50-83 after physical activity and sleep for the research.
But how does it work? We spoke to experts who reveal why regular exercise along with sufficient sleep helps boost our memory.
WHY DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPROVE MEMORY?
"Exercise indirectly improves memory by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety which impair memory," says Rachael Mackenzie, neurological physio at Workathlete. "A number of mechanisms directly influence memory by increasing blood flow - and therefore Brain nutrient/oxygen availability - and by promoting the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, the region of the brain that is primarily responsible for memory."
BDNF plays an important role in growth.
DOES EXERCISING REGULARLY ENHANCE THE IMPACT OF THIS?
"Yes, regular exercise amplifies these positive effects on the brain," says Steve Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.
"Consistency in physical activity promotes long-term improvements in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. These processes help to build a more resilient and efficient brain."
Regular exercise can also help reduce some of the risk factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
"Exercise has the double effect of reducing the inflammatory and cardio metabolic risk factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which result in poorer blood flow to the brain and neuronal atrophy alongside the neurotrophic effect of exercise," adds Rachael.
"People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop dementia and if memory problems start to occur, increasing exercise can improve their presentation."
DOES SLEEP COMPLEMENT THIS?
"During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, transferring information from short-term to lo...
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Daily Post (Digital) - 1 Issue, December 31, 2024