Discover the easy breakfast recipe a neuroscientist with nearly 50 years of experience makes for optimal brain health.

Step one is to determine whether you are a lark or an owl.

In other words, your sleep chronobiology, Dr. Bredesen says.

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According to the Sleep Foundation, achronotypeis the bodysnatural inclination to sleep and wakeat specific times.

Knowing your chronobiology can be a helpful tool for optimizing your day and nighttime routines.

As such, he focuses on relaxationfirst.Then exercise, then nourishing his body with food to replenish his energy.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

neuroscience researcher and neurodegenerative disease expert

WhenHRV is higher, your heart is only really beating when it has to.

Fortunately, engaging in even just a few minutes of breathwork can help make a difference.

I want to get my heart rate variability up and above a hundred.

soba noodles

(AnHRV above 100is generally classified as healthy.)

One of the critical things for optimal cognition is energetics.

Ultimately, the goal is to increase cerebral blood flow.

a woman pours maple syrup onto a stack of pancakes covered in strawberries

Instead, he recommends activities that involve light cardio to boost heart rate ever so slightly.

You may even want to add a little wild-caught salmon in there, too, he says.

Bredesen emphasizes that prevention and early detection are imperative when it comes to executive functioning.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

neuroscience researcher and neurodegenerative disease expert

These habits have been shown to enhance cognition when practiced over time, Dr. Bredesen says.

These habits have been shown to enhance cognition when practiced over time, Dr. Bredesen says.

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maple syrup in glass bottle on wooden table

Protein isolate powder. Unflavored whey protein in measuring scoop and drinking glass in bright sunlight.