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Restorative Sleep – a pillar of brain health

Anyone who says you need less sleep as you age is wrong. Sleep is vital to brain health. Set yourself up for more restful nights.

Still images from Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen's documentary "Taking Care"

A Focus on Brain Health for Caregivers

The Rogens share their experience caring for a parent with dementia

A man appearing stressed as he sleeps in bed

Too Stressed to Sleep? Here’s What May Help

Studies suggest losing good slumber may take a toll on the brain and body

A dark bedroom with its window curtains closed

Darken Your Bedroom

Too much light may interfere with your zzz’s

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A woman napping on a couch

Your Brain on Naps

A nap, even a short one, may have important health benefits

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An overhead view of a woman lying on her back meditating

Practice to Activate Your Vagus Nerve

Help extend the length of your exhale

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A woman stretching as she gets out of bed

Your Brain on Sleep

Watch and see how getting enough zzz's may benefit your brain

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A woman relaxing on the couch with her eyes closed and her hands behind her head

Take the Perfect Power Nap

When done correctly, a midday snooze can be the ultimate refresh

A smiling woman relaxing in a bubble bath

Take a Warm Bath

Time it right and add some relaxing ingredients

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A dark bedroom with its window curtains closed

Darken Your Bedroom

Too much light may interfere with your zzz’s

MEMBERS ONLY

A cropped shot of a woman's hand writing in a journal

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Think about what brings you joy

A man sleeping with his head on his computer keyboard

Sleep Deprivation Disrupts Body Clock

Research finds potential cardiovascular issues, plus impaired decision-making

A woman using phone while lying in bed in a dark room

What Works for Chronic Insomnia?

Find out when you need to go beyond sleep hygiene

A group of women running on grass by a body of water

6 Habits to Support Your Brain Health

Your daily actions can add up

Still images from Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen's documentary "Taking Care"

A Focus on Brain Health for Caregivers

The Rogens share their experience caring for a parent with dementia

A woman smiling as she sleeps in a bed

Change Your Soundscape for Better Sleep

Reducing distracting noises may help you sleep

MEMBERS ONLY

A man and woman walking together in a field

Skip the Afternoon Coffee

Replace it with a caffeine-free pick-me-up

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Michelle C. Carlson, Ph.D., of the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health

6 Healthy Habits That Can Help Support Brain Health

Your lifestyle choices could have an effect on your brain’s health

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A man and woman cuddling in a bed together

Cuddle Before Bedtime

Some end-of-the-day snuggling may increase your zzz’s

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A dog sleeping on a bed at the feet of a person

Boot Pets From Your Bed

Cuddle with your furry friend during daytime hours

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A close-up view of a woman's hand writing

Offload To-Dos at Bedtime

Defuse concerns that can disturb your slumber

MEMBERS ONLY

A person handing another person a plate of vegetables

A Healthy Diet May Be Linked to Better Sleep

More fruits and veggies could help you catch your 40 winks

A woman lying on a bed with her eyes closed

Try a Breathing Exercise to Ease Into Sleep

Inhale, exhale, repeat

A silhouette of a man standing in the dark by a window at home

To Get Back to Sleep, Stop Trying

Train your brain for better shut-eye

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A woman meditating in a lotus position on her bed

5 Steps to Wind Down and Fall Asleep

Meditation to stop tossing and turning, and get some quality shut-eye

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A man napping at a desk at night

Avoid Late Naps

Skip the evening snooze to get better sleep at night

MEMBERS ONLY

An illustration of a brain with a women doctor and man doctor examining it

Staying Sharp's Scientific Research Program

Calling all citizen scientists! Work with Staying Sharp, universities and private research organizations to enhance our understanding of health, habits and cognitive aging.

Learn About the Program

Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

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