Does reading from an electronic tablet before bedtime affect sleep? We’ve known for some time that artificial lighting can alter the body’s natural 24-hour circadian rhythm. But now, our lives seem saturated with electronic devices that emit short-wavelength-enriched blue light as opposed to broad-spectrum white lights. And often, we’re reading from those gadgets at night […]
Rewiring the Brain for Willpower
The burger or the salad? The treadmill or the sofa? Spend or save? Throughout the course of a single day, choices like these test our willpower repeatedly . . . and sometimes the choices we make can leave us feeling like a failure. If you’ve ever made a vow to practice better self-control, you know […]
Strengthening Resilience in the Brain
What interventions could rewire the brain in mature adults, particularly those who grew up in less than ideal circumstances? Are there ways to help restore or strengthen resilience? One of my favorite neuroscientists is Dr. Bruce McEwen. He serves as Head of Neuroendocrinology Research at Rockefeller University in New York. To me, he’s a rock […]
The Overthinking Brain: A New Way to Look at Learning
Ever wondered what exactly is going on in the brain when you’re learning to do something? We’ve known for some time that learning something new can strengthen the brain in adults. And, the brains of young children seem to absorb new learning like a sponge. Why is that? Well, researchers have recently revealed an interesting […]
Fireworks in the Brain
We’ve been talking lately about research, exercises, and techniques anyone can use to boost overall brain health. But did you know, there’s one activity that has been demonstrated to enhance function in multiple areas of the brain. And when I tell you what it is, you’ll probably regret not practicing the piano (or clarinet) the […]