From an early age, we are taught to go to bed early and get enough sleep to get fit and stay healthy. Advice that is often sent waltz to adulthood. Wrongly!

According to a study conducted by researchers at the Polytechnic University of Marche (Italy), poor sleep could seriously damage our brains.

Lack of sleep: Increased risk of Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders

To arrive at such an observation, the scientists observed two groups of mice: one was allowed to sleep as much as reason and the other was deprived of sleep for 5 days (poor animals!).

As a result, the group of mice forced to insomnia were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and neurological disorders.

For Michelle Bellesi, a neurologist and member of the research team behind the study, this experiment highlights for the first time the fact that lack of sleep causes the brain to consume its worn cells and that astrocytes devour portions of synapses.

In short, our brain is self-destructing.

Some tips to sleep well (and avoid destroying the brain)

To sleep better, you first identify your sleep needs (knowing that the average for an adult is 8 hours per night).

Before going to bed, we eat light and we ban television screens, telephone or computer, likely to trigger a restless sleep. Instead we opt for a good book.

Then, one installs conditions favorable to the falling asleep: a calm place (not or little enlightened) and an optimal ambient temperature (neither too hot, nor too fresh).

Go to bed !

Source: www.univpm.it/Entra/Engine/RAServePG.php/P/1196210010403/M/20011ENG0403