Warning: Brain Fatigue

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Did you know that our brain also suffers from fatigue? Yes, our brain like our body also needs vacation and  quality rest. According to the study headed by Hans P.A. Van Dongen, Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania, lack of sleep may build up an excess of chemical called adenosine which causes brain fatigue. If you only sleep for 4 to 6 hours a night for 2 straight weeks, your brain will function as if you did not sleep for straight 3 days.

It is important that we give our brain a good night sleep. In the book written by James Maas, Ph.D. entitled “Power Sleep”, to keep our brain functioning properly, we must sleep at least 8 hours a night. Mentioned in this book were his “sleep advices” summarized below:

1. If you feel tired anytime during the day, close your eyes 10 to 15 minutes. Even if you do not go to sleep, your brain will go on alpha relaxation rhythms.
2. Avoid taking naps unless you are truly sleep deprived
3. Stop snoozing the alarm clock. A person that is not sleep deprived do not need an alarm clock in the first place.

These tips will help your brain become alert and less prone to brain fatigue. If you feel you are sleep deprived, try hitting those pillows and take that much deserve sleep vacation.