The way you sleep decides your whole day ahead. If you have had a good sleep then your body will be functioning at its best, giving you good motor system responses, you’ll feel light and energetic etc. But if you did not have a rest full sleep or did not sleep for long enough then you will be dragging your feet everywhere, you will lack attention and most of your time will be spent wondering when you will be able to go back to sleep. But what if you were told that this lack of sleep, especially in your 40s can lead to your brain ageing faster in life later on? While poor sleep does put a strain on your brain functions, this can cause a lot of issues for you later on. A recent study published in Neurology has revealed a concerning link between poor sleep quality in your 40s and accelerated brain ageing. Researchers found that individuals who struggle with sleep issues in their middle age may experience a brain age that is 1.6 to 2.6 years older than their peers who enjoy quality sleep. The study showed that if you fix your sleep schedule and find a better way to address your sleep issues earlier in life, you will be able to avoid all of these issues. But many people prioritize other responsibilities over sleep causing their brain to not have enough rest. What Impact Does Poor Sleep HaveMany people who experience poor sleep can have far-reaching consequences for brain health. There are many consequences for putting your cognitive function under so much strain. Not only does this lead to cognitive decline but it can also lead to people having an increased risk of dementia. They may experience impaired memory, their attention span will be affected, and they may have trouble with problem-solving skills. They will also have higher chances of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Poor sleep may also lead to elevated levels of inflammation in your body. Basically, it will damage your tissues and accelerate ageing in people. Your ability to fight off diseases will also be affected as it will lead to you having a weakened immune system. Ways to Improve and Preserve Your HealthTo make sure that your brain works to its fullest, even at a later age, you must prioritize your sleep above all! Not only will good sleep mean you have time to do other things, but it also reduces the risk of you making mistakes you will regret. Here are a few ways you can improve your sleep schedule Establish a Consistent Sleep ScheduleYou must go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. When you stay up late or sleep in more than you should be sleeping, your body clock gets confused. You will have difficulty waking up later and you feel constantly tired. Create a Relaxing Bedtime RoutineWhen you are going to sleep, make sure you have the optimal sleeping condition. Wind down before bed with calming activities like reading or taking a warm bath. And do not get engaged in overstimulating activities like watching TV or your phone as it makes your body restless. Optimize Your Sleep EnvironmentWhile many people prefer to sleep with lights on, it doesn’t allow you to have optimal sleep. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. You can also play calming music or stories to help you fall asleep. Limit Screen TimeReduce exposure to electronic devices, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. They can be quite overstimulating and can keep your mind engaged for a long time. Put your phone or your electronics down after your work is done and enjoy downtime to ensure a good night’s sleep.