A doctor reveals the No. 1 mistake people make who age quickly
2024-04-19 13:52:31
TiranaPost
By Dr. Neil Paulvin/ Aging can be divided into two categories: internal and external.
Intrinsic aging is due to genetic factors, while extrinsic aging can be attributed to lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption, smoking, diet, exercise and stress management.
Poor sleep quality is mistake no. 1 that makes people age faster.
Why does lack of sleep accelerate aging?
With our fast-paced lives, sleep is often sacrificed either by choice or necessity. Growing evidence shows that quality sleep is key to a healthy life.
When we sleep, the body heals itself. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night helps improve cellular and tissue health, cognitive function, immunity, energy levels and metabolism.
Meanwhile, lack of sleep can cause a number of health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, obesity, stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
Lack of sleep can also cause:
1. Wrinkles and premature aging of the skin
Our skin is made up of several proteins, including collagen and elastin, which help keep it firm and healthy as we age.
Some studies suggest that insufficient sleep can affect the quality and strength of collagen and elastin, which can lead to wrinkles and skin laxity, or sagging.
2. Cognitive impairment
In the short term, lack of sleep can cause a decline in motor skills, slow information processing, reduce our attention span and emotional capacity, and impair our judgment.
In the long term, sleep problems can lead to a higher risk of cognitive decline, impaired memory and Alzheimer's disease.
3. Weakened immunity
Our body's first line of defense is our immune system.
During sleep, our immune system produces cells that help the body fight pathogens that can make us sick. At the end of a sleep cycle, cells migrate to the parts of the body where they are needed.
Research shows that when our sleep is compromised, the body may not be able to fight these invaders effectively. In addition, the recovery period from the disease may take longer.
Good sleep is the no. 1 to slow down aging
Many people do not recognize the impact that lack of sleep has on our overall health. Fortunately, there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your sleep quality:
Be consistent. Having a consistent sleep schedule helps maintain a normal circadian rhythm.
Expose yourself to the morning sun immediately after waking up. This resets the body's circadian clock by telling the body it's morning and can help you fall asleep faster at night.
Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid caffeine for eight hours before bed and alcohol for three hours before bed to protect sleep quality.
