Nina

We tend to think of sleep problems as being caused by the usual suspects ~ stress, caffeine, screens, late nights. But what about the medications you're taking? Some can affect the very chemical systems in your brain that help regulate wakefulness, memory and cognition. Antihistamines and medications such as oxybutynin are two examples that are worth knowing about, particularly if you're taking them regularly. Because making you sleepy isn't necessarily the same thing as helping you sleep.

When you’re asleep, your brain isn’t. From processing memories and emotions to supporting the brain’s maintenance systems, sleep is doing far more than simply helping you feel rested. This article explores what happens in your brain while you sleep, why sleep quality matters, and what the connection between sleep and long-term brain health can teach us.

Poor sleep can affect far more than how you feel when you wake up. It can change your mood, motivation, concentration and ability to enjoy your life. But improving your sleep isn't about following another list of generic sleep tips. Your sleep is individual to you - and understanding what’s affecting it is the first step to taking control.