Jog Your Memory

How exercising every day and sleeping well can lead to a much sharper mind.

- Camilla Foster

EXERCISE and a good night's sleep really can make your brain work better, according to a study.

Just 30 minutes of moderate activity and sleeping for at least six hours at night could improve memory the following day, according to the University College London.

They measured brain power of 76 adults aged 50-83 after physical activity and sleep for the research.

But how does it work? We spoke to experts who reveal why regular exercise along with sufficient sleep helps boost our memory.

WHY DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPROVE MEMORY?

"Exercise indirectly improves memory by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety which impair memory," says Rachael Mackenzie, neurological physio at Work-athlete.

"A number of mechanisms directly influence memory by increasing blood flow - and therefore nutrient/oxygen availability - and by promoting the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, the region of the brain that is primarily responsible for memory."

BDNF plays an important role in growth.