While aging is not fully understood, it can be broken down into two categories, intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic aging is due to generic factors, while extrinsic aging can be attributed to lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption, smoking, diet, exercise, and stress management.
Dr. Neil Paulvin says: “As a longevity and regenerative medicine doctor, I help executives, athletes, and celebrities bio hack their bodies and improve their health through extrinsic factors.”
“Based on my experiences, I’ve found that poor sleep quality is the No.1 mistake that will make you age faster.
Why a lack of sleep speeds up aging
With our fast-paced lives, sleep is often sacrificed whether by choice or necessity. Mounting evidence shows that quality sleep is the key to a healthy life.
When we sleep, the body heals itself. Sleeping seven to eight hours a night helps improve cellular and tissue health, cognitive function, immunity, energy levels and metabolism.
Meanwhile, sleep deficiency can cause a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, obesity, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
A lack of sleep can also cause:
- Wrinkles and premature skin aging
- Cognitive impairment
- Weakened immunity
Sleeping well is the No.1 way to slow down aging
Many people don’t recognize the toll lack of sleep has on our overall health. Luckily, there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your quality of sleep:
- Be consistent. Having a consistent sleep schedule helps maintain a normal circadian rhythm.
- Expose yourself to the morning sun shortly after waking up. This resets the body’s circadian clock by showing the body it is morning, and it can help you fall asleep faster at night.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid caffeine for eight hours before bedtime and alcohol for three hours before bedtime to protect your sleep quality.
- Limit screen time before bed. Blue light exposure from devices have been shown to adversely affect sleep.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Getting into the habit of reading a book or taking a warm bath signals the body that it is time to wind down and sleep, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Make your bedroom a sanctuary. Invest in a good mattress, sheets, eye masks or whatever helps you feel relaxed.
Give these suggestions a try; I’m sure you’ll see the benefits shortly.
That’s it for now my friends; see you all the next time.