Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that emerges gradually and worsens over time, ultimately leading to cognitive decline, loss of memory, behavioral changes, and other symptoms.

There are a variety of potential factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, and new research has discovered a possible link between poor sleep and increased risk.

The Study

A new study has discovered that seniors who experience poorer sleep quality, such as those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night, may have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later on in life.

The research, which was published in the journal Sleep, involved more than 3,900 adults aged 65 and above who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study.

Sleep Quality and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

Over an average of eight years of follow-up, nearly a quarter of the participants (22.5%) were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The individuals who experienced poorer sleep quality were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who slept better.

After adjustments for other risk factors such as age, sex, education, and health status, the study discovered that the participants who reported poor sleep quality at the beginning of the study were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who reported good sleep quality.

The Connection Between Sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

So, what is the connection between poor sleep and Alzheimer’s disease risk? Researchers believe that inadequate sleep might impair the brain’s ability to clear out beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in earlier onset or more severe symptoms. A lack of adequate sleep may also contribute to the development of inflammation in the brain, which has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Factors That Contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease

While there is mounting evidence linking poor sleep to increased Alzheimer’s disease risk, it is just one of several potential factors that can contribute to the development of the disease.

Age, genetics, diet, head injuries, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and lack of exercise have all been identified as risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

Improving Sleep Quality

Fortunately, there are several steps that individuals can take to improve their sleep quality, which can potentially reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these steps include:.

Establishing a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it as closely as possible
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
Keeping the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet
Minimizing exposure to screens for at least an hour before bed
Engaging in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading or meditating

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research.

The study found that seniors who had difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the night were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as those who slept well. However, poor sleep is just one of several potential risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and further research is needed to fully understand the connections between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease.