A new study has found that chronic sleep deprivation may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognitive function. It is caused by abnormal protein deposits that form in the brain, leading to the destruction of brain cells.

The disease is progressive, and symptoms worsen over time. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

The Study

The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), followed 20 healthy individuals between the ages of 22 and 72 for two weeks.

The participants were placed on a schedule that allowed for sufficient sleep for the first week and then modified to restrict their sleep for the second week. During both weeks, the participants underwent cognitive and memory testing.

The researchers also collected samples of the participants’ cerebrospinal fluid to measure levels of amyloid-beta – a protein that is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Results

The study found that when the participants were sleep-deprived, their levels of amyloid-beta increased by 25%. The researchers also found that the participants’ cognitive function and memory were impaired when they were sleep-deprived.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Ehsan Shokri-Kojori, stated that “the results suggest that chronic lack of sleep may promote the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.”.

What Causes the Link?

Researchers believe that the link between sleep deprivation and Alzheimer’s disease may be due to the role that sleep plays in the clearance of amyloid-beta from the brain.

During sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system – a network of waste-clearance channels – is activated, allowing for the removal of toxins and waste products, including amyloid-beta. Chronic sleep deprivation may impair the function of the glymphatic system, leading to the accumulation of amyloid-beta in the brain.

The Importance of Sleep

The results of this study underscore the importance of getting sufficient sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 18-64 get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

However, studies have shown that over one-third of Americans report getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night.

How to Improve Sleep Quality

If you are having trouble getting sufficient sleep, there are several steps you can take to improve your sleep quality:.

Establish a regular sleep schedule – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
Create a relaxing bedtime routine – take a warm bath, read a book, listen to calming music
Minimize exposure to light in the evenings – use blackout shades or an eye mask to block out light, and avoid using electronic devices before bedtime
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evenings – both can interfere with sleep
Exercise regularly – regular exercise can improve sleep quality, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime
Create a sleep-conducive environment – keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark

Conclusion

The link between chronic sleep deprivation and Alzheimer’s disease underscores the importance of getting sufficient sleep.

If you are having trouble sleeping, there are steps you can take to improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.