Do you ever notice that your ability to think feels fuzzy or sluggish? Perhaps you wake up and feel groggy and can’t shake the feeling. If you’re feeling easily distracted, forgetful, or overwhelmed by everyday tasks, you might be experiencing a common phenomenon known as brain fog. If you have brain fog, you might find it hard to focus or feel confused. It may be hard to put your thoughts into words. You may forget where you put things. Let’s take a closer look at brain fog and what you can do about it.
Brain fog is not a medical condition. Rather, it’s a term that is used to describe a variety of symptoms that can affect your ability to think.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
If you experience brain fog, you may feel as though your memory or thinking isn’t as effective or efficient as it used to be. You may forget details of conversations and walk into a room and forget what you needed to remember.
Here are some of the most common causes of memory issues and brain fog.
Many women find that brain fog is common during pregnancy. Changes in hormones can bring on memory problems. Research shows that women who are pregnant report brain fog, confusion, and memory issues. This can cause them to misplace their belongings and forget simple tasks.
Some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, can cause memory issues. In addition, taking multiple medications can lead to brain fog. If you notice that your memory isn’t as clear as it used to be and you’ve started a new medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medication could be the cause of your brain fog.
Along with a loss of energy and motivation, you may also experience brain fog if you are depressed. Not everyone with depression will experience brain fog, but research indicates that people with major depression will experience cognitive symptoms like brain fog 85 to 94 percent of the time during depressive episodes. Treatment for depression, which may include talk therapy and medication, can help.
Brain fog is common during peri-menopause and menopause. Along with brain fog, you may experience a higher body temperature, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and other body changes. Supplements and hormonal replacement therapy may help.
You need sleep for your brain to function the way that it should. Too little sleep can cause you to experience brain fog along with other symptoms. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy can cause brain fog.
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night. To get a good night’s rest, make sure you have a good sleep routine. Keep the smartphone and computer out of your bedroom, and make sure you wake up and go to bed at the same time each day.
There are steps that you can take to manage brain fog. You can make simple lifestyle changes to improve your brain health and energy.
If you’re prone to brain fog, work on your memory. Put together a jigsaw puzzle, put on your dancing shoes, or take memory-boosting supplements, like dihexa, which has been shown to sharpen focus and improve memory.
Exercise has been shown to help boost cognitive performance. Working out increases the flow of oxygen throughout your body, including the brain. This boosts brain cell performance.
Physical activity also increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that keeps existing neurons in tip-top shape and helps promote the growth of new brain cells.
What is the best type of exercise to keep your brain sharp? Aim for higher-intensity exercise. To see the most benefits, make sure you stay consistent.
Anxiety and stress can cause brain fog. Therefore, practice stress management techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises. These can help with brain fog by lowering levels of stress and anxiety. Other stress-reducing activities include walking outdoors and yoga.
Can popping a pill really boost your brainpower? Yes, there are several research-backed supplements that may improve brain function. Many of the ingredients in brain health supplements have been tied in research studies to brain health. Dihexa, a popular brain health supplement, has been shown in research studies to protect against dementia and improve brain health.
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