Have you ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed, negatively impacting those around you, or sat there staring aimlessly at a blank page struggling to generate content for a university assignment? Although I consider myself to be a morning bird, I still have the odd off day when I am a nightmare to be around, and I have certainly found myself stuck for ideas on a number of occasions. The cause of these difficult moments might not simply be the consequences of a disrupted sleep the previous night, but may in fact be the culmination of your lifestyle choices during the last two weeks. Could our actions over the following days lead to positive effects being seen in two weeks time? The study discussed below appears to offer us this potential.
According to a study carried out carried out by Finish researchers, the quality of sleep, the level of physical activity, and the nature of our social interactions all affect the state of our brains at different timescales, meaning the effects of our actions in the coming days could be seen in our brain connectivity for up to 15 days.
Traditionally, the relationship between behaviour and the state of the brain is studied with cross-sectional designs which sample many individuals at one specific point in time. To investigate the connections between the brain and behaviour, longitudinal studies with regular measurement points were seen as necessary, says lead researcher Ana Triana. Furthermore, as external factors from earlier days are known to correlate with brain measurements on subsequent days, longitudinal data analysis should take the dependence between time points into account.
Two different reaction patterns were found by the researchers: a long-term wave that lasted up to 15 days and a short-term wave that lasted less than seven days. Both the quickness of recovery and the effects of sleep deprivation on concentration are examples of rapid adaptations that are reflected in the latter. The long wave indicates longer-lasting and more gradual effects, especially in memory and attention-related areas.
According to the study, our brains don’t react to everyday situations in quick, separate bursts. Rather, over the course of several days, brain activity changes in response to mood, breathing rate, physical activity, and sleep habits.
According to the trial, our social interactions, sleep quality, and degree of physical activity all had a favourable impact on how different parts of our brains interacted, which may have an impact on memory and cognitive flexibility. For as long as two weeks, even minor shifts in heart rate and mood left lingering effects.
While I myself have a very regular sleep routine, aiming to sleep for eight hours every night, my physical activity has reduced in the last few months, and the frequency and quality of my social interactions leave room for improvement. I have to admit that when I am able to get out for my afternoon stroll on a number of consecutive days, I do not only see the positive impacts on my mental health, but I also feel more inspired and able to think more clearly.
What do think guys? When do feel most inspired? What lifestyle choices do you feel most positively impact your brain activity? Leave your comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts.