Countless things you can lose sleep over

Q: I’m having a lot of trouble falling asleep and staying asleep these days. I know how lousy it makes me feel the next day — but are there any other health concerns I should have about it? And if so, what should I do? I am 42. — Steve R., Portland, Oregon

A: There are many reasons you might be having a hard time sleeping. They range from stress and worries, to allergies, apnea, digestive or urinary problems, restless leg syndrome, dehydration and overall poor nutrition and/or lack of physical activity. Think about what might apply to you and then make an appointment with your general practitioner.

Whatever the cause, chronically poor sleep patterns age you and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, various cancers and dementia. A study in the journal Neurology reveals that when folks in their 30s and 40s have interrupted sleep — they move around in their sleep and/or wake up several times a night — they double their risk of having cognition and memory problems 10 years later.

A Nature Communications study said “persistent short sleep duration at age 50, 60, and 70 was associated with a 30 percent increased dementia risk.”

Q: Can you share any new info on what can be done to have an Actualage that’s a lot younger than my chronological age? I love the idea of getting the better of Father Time. — Stacey T., Lafayette, Indiana

A: The Realage test on Sharecare.com and the Actualage test at Longevityplaybook.com are based on hard science that shows how to preserve youthfulness, helping you to launch a plan to retain youthful energy, strength and cognition.

One of the most exciting recent discoveries about how to turn back the clock was presented at the University of California San Francisco’s 2023 Byers Award lecture. “Blood Work and the Brain: Deciphering the Language of Cognitive Regeneration,” explains how there are elements in young blood that, when introduced to an older body, can clear out factors (mostly misfolded proteins) that make us age. It all has to do with turning on youth-promoting genes and getting rid of substances that age the brain and body.

Here’s what you can do to tap into the rejuvenating processes they’ve discovered “young blood” provides.

1. Keep the treadmill and elliptical spinning and use the weight bench!

2. Take an avocado soybean unsaponifiable (ASU) supplement.

3. Enjoy filtered black coffee.