286: Habits of High Performing People, Why Sleep is the Best Health Hack and How to Prevent Alzheimers with Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola, MMed, BSc
Dec 13, 2023
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Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola joins the show to discuss the commonalities among high performing individuals. The importance of sleep for brain detoxification and emotional regulation is highlighted. They delve into the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases through deep sleep and the optimal environment for sleep. Exercise's effect on limiting neural inflammation is explored, along with resistance vs. aerobic exercise and happiness as a deliberate choice. The effects of technology and alcohol on the brain are also touched upon.
Quality sleep promotes brain health by washing away toxins and aiding memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
Aerobic exercise improves blood circulation and stimulates new brain cell growth, while resistance training releases proteins that enhance brain function.
Exercise is a powerful tool for preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, benefiting both Alzheimer's and stroke patients.
Deep dives
Importance of Sleep for Brain Health
Getting quality sleep is crucial for brain health. During deep sleep, the brain releases hormones that promote muscle regeneration and washes away toxins, including amyloid beta and tau proteins, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease. Adequate sleep also allows for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and the release of growth factors for brain cell growth and volume.
Benefits of Exercise for Brain Health
Both aerobic and resistance training are beneficial for brain health. Aerobic exercise improves blood circulation to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients. It also triggers the release of BDNF, a growth factor that stimulates the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, preserving memory. Resistance training releases myokines, muscle-based proteins that improve brain structure and function, reduce inflammation, and enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Physical activity should aim for at least 70% of maximum heart rate, with a recommended breakdown of three hours per week for aerobic exercise and focusing on 80% of one repetition max for resistance training.
Exercise as Medication for Brain Health
Exercise is considered one of the best forms of medication for optimizing brain health. It has been shown to benefit not only Alzheimer's patients but also stroke patients by improving oxygenation, blood flow, and overall cardiovascular health. Exercise is a powerful tool for preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases.
Importance of Sleep Duration and Variability
Sleep duration and variability can have profound effects on our health. Clinical data from human randomized control trials have shown the detriments of sleep deprivation, which is classified as six hours or less. Cortisol spikes caused by sleep deprivation can provide a false sense of energy, masking the negative impacts. The ideal amount of sleep varies from person to person based on workload and activity levels. However, a general rule for optimal sleep is to aim for at least seven and a half to eight hours per night.
Understanding Sleep Temperature and Sleep Stages
Maintaining an optimal sleep environment, including the right temperature, can greatly impact sleep quality. The goal is to lower the core body temperature by two degrees during sleep to promote deep and uninterrupted sleep. Fluctuations in core body temperature, particularly rises during the night, can lead to spikes in cortisol and disrupt sleep. For individuals who struggle with heat during sleep, finding ways to cool down the body can aid in falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. Advanced technologies like temperature-controlled mattresses can help regulate sleep temperature throughout the night for optimal sleep stages and overall sleep quality.
Neurophysiologist and human performance coach, Louisa Nicola is the founder and head performance advisor of Neuro Athletics – a consulting firm that boasts the best athletes in the world. By using science-driven data from EEG scans, labs tests, and cognitive assessments, Louisa has a first-class ticket inside the brain of elite NBA and MLB stars, as well as CEO’s and other high profile people. She joins the show to discuss what all these high performing people have in common, and how to optimize our own health specifically with sleep and exercise. We cover how specifically to have the best sleep and why it is so critical for not only brain detoxification but emotional regulation and more, how deep sleep helps prevent Alzheimers and other neurodegerative diseases, how much sleep to get, and the optimal environment for sleep. We also delve into how to limit neural inflammation through exercise, the specific breakdown of resistance vs. aerobic exercise to get per week, what to aim for in each training session and specifics about myokines that are released during exercise. Finally, she explains why we must deliberately choose happiness, how technology is affecting our dopamine, alcohol’s effects on the brain and so much more.
This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
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