We all know how important a good night’s sleep is. But for older adults, it might be even more crucial than we thought—especially when it comes to dementia risk.
A new study has uncovered some surprising links between different types of sleep problems and the likelihood of developing dementia. Some of the news is a bit worrying, but there’s also a silver lining.
What the Study Found
Researchers at SUNY Upstate Medical University looked at sleep data from over 6,000 adults aged 65 and older. None of the participants had dementia when the study began in 2011. Over a span of 10 years, they tracked who developed dementia and compared that to sleep patterns.
Here’s what they found:
- Trouble falling asleep (taking more than 30 minutes to nod off) was linked to a higher risk of dementia.
- Using sleep medications also increased the risk.
- But oddly enough, people who had trouble going back to sleep after waking during the night—known as sleep-maintenance insomnia—were less likely to develop dementia.
That last point surprised researchers. It goes against what we often hear about poor sleep being bad for brain health. They’re not sure yet why that particular pattern might be protective, but they hope more research will explain it.
Why Does Sleep Matter So Much?
Sleep plays a big role in keeping the brain healthy. One of its jobs is to clear out waste, including beta-amyloid plaques—sticky proteins that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Poor sleep can get in the way of this natural cleaning process.
That’s why scientists have long been interested in the link between sleep problems and cognitive decline.
So, What Can Older Adults Do?
While we wait for more research, this study offers a few helpful takeaways:
If you regularly struggle to fall asleep or rely on sleeping pills, talk to your doctor. These issues might not just make you groggy—they could be linked to higher dementia risk.
On the flip side, waking up during the night might not be as harmful as once thought, though it’s still best to aim for consistent, restful sleep.
Healthy sleep habits—like keeping a regular bedtime, staying active during the day, and creating a calm nighttime routine—can support better sleep and overall brain health.
Final Thoughts
As we age, sleep gets trickier for many reasons—health concerns, medications, or even just the body’s natural changes. But studies like this one help us better understand what kinds of sleep problems might matter most when it comes to protecting our brains.
And the good news? Small lifestyle changes can go a long way.
Source: https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(23)00009-0/fulltext
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