Brain & Daydreams

Einstein is often quoted about his belief in daydreaming. For example, he lived his daydreams in music. Many of his ideas reportedly came from daydreaming or his “thought xperiences.” I agree that imagination is more important than just knowing a bunch of facts. As Einstein pointed out, logic can get you from point A to point B, while imagination will take you everywhere. There are indications that other personages appear to have similar perspectives.

-     Deepak Chopra: Daydream, imagine, and reflect. t’s the source of infinite creativity.

-     Neil Gaiman: You get ideas from daydreaming . . .The only difference between writers and other people is we notice when we're doing it.

-     Students of scripture may recall the phrase that you are as you think in your heart. That’s daydreaming.

Let 2020 be the year you learn how to daydream effectively (if you don't already do so) and give yourself permission to do it . . .

Sleep and Holidays

Sleep and Holidays As you know, holiday seasons change the usually routine for most people. This often means “LESS SLEEP” than usual, and a tendency toward lower quality goods and sometimes even less water intake. Studies of top-level athletes have shown that these three strategies: Sufficient intake of water, choice of high-quality foods, and adequate sleep can help you stay younger and healthier for longer. As one person put it: “You may or may not be an Olympic gold medalist, Super Bowl champion, or French Open winner, but lessons from top-tier athletes can help you achieve better performance and improve your health.” Build these strategies into your Longevity Lifestyle because it Matters.

Sleep Habits

According to the CDC, healthy sleep duration in adults can be promoted by sleep health education and behavior changes, including: -       Setting a pattern of going to bed at the same time each night and rising at the same time each morning -       Ensuring that the bedroom environment is quiet, dark, relaxing, and neither too hot nor too cold -       Turning off or removing televisions, computers, mobile devices, and all distracting or light-emitting electronic devices from the bedroom -       Avoiding large meals or late-evening meals, nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime. Studies have shown that difficulty falling or staying asleep can usually be resolved with improved sleep habits or psychological or behavioral therapies. If this has not been your style, you might want to implement it now and in the New Year.

Happy Day!

It’s the 25^th and here in my house,

There’s gratitude—no fires to dowse.

There might be a mouse that’s creeping around,

But way down the hill where the grasses abound.

Stockings still hang from the mantle, I see⸺

Now that lights are back on⸺and happy are we!

The sun’s shining through a light misting of rain,

And the temperature really is quite humane.

Delightful odors of food in the air,

Ensure we’ll enjoy our holiday fare.

Deliberately add to your memory’s store,

With hugs and fun and laughter galore.

Because in the end—and time goes by fast—

The love of true friends is what really does last.  

Wherever you are and whatever you do,

I’m sending good wishes from me to you.

Sleep Duration Studies

The first CDC state-specific estimates of the prevalence of a ≥7 hour sleep duration in a 24-hour period was reported in the MMWR. It showed geographic clustering of lower prevalence estimates for this duration of sleep in the southeastern United States and in states along the Appalachian Mountains. These are regions with the highest burdens of obesity and other chronic conditions. Non-Hispanic black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations report a lower prevalence of ≥7 hours sleep compared with the rest of the U.S. adult population. The highest prevalence was observed in the Great Plains states. . Liu Y., et al. Healthy Sleep Duration among Adults – United States, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:137-141. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwer.mm6506a1external icon

Quality and Quantity of Sleep

Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are that 35% of Americans are getting insufficient sleep—and that this is not only a serious problem but may be getting worse. The quality of sleep is important as well as the quantity of sleep., both of which can be related to developing healthy sleep habits. Studies have shown that “sleep extension” as well as napping can boost athletic performance (and likely performance in general) as well as recovery from the performance. Sleep extension (obtaining extra sleep for a few nights or even weeks) can help with reparation.

Sleep and Winning

According to the Sleep Foundation, the key to winning for athletes is often the quality and amount of sleep they receive. REM sleep in particular provides energy to both the brain and body. If sleep is cut short, the body doesn’t have time to repair memory, consolidate memory, and release critical hormones. “A study in the journal SLEEP confirms the role of sleep in performance with results that show declines in split-second decision making following poor sleep. Results also showed increased accuracy in well-rested subjects.” No surprise, exercise depletes energy, fluids, and breaks down muscle. Plenty of water and quality nutrition for fuel are part of training and recovery. So is adequate quality sleep. Together they help maintain endurance, speed, and accuracy. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-athletic-performance-and-recovery