Loss of Deep Sleep Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia
A new study suggests that losing deep sleep may raise the risk of developing dementia. CNN has launched the Sleep, But Better newsletter series which provides helpful tips on achieving better sleep. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, reveals that as you age, there is a decline in slow-wave sleep, the deepest stage of sleep. This decline in slow-wave sleep is associated with an increased risk of dementia over a 17-year follow-up period. Slow-wave sleep is crucial for brain health as it facilitates the removal of harmful materials from the brain, including beta-amyloid protein, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers investigated whether chronic reductions in slow-wave sleep are connected to dementia risk and if dementia-related processes in the brain contribute to a decrease in this type of sleep. The study included 346 individuals who underwent sleep studies between 1995 and 2001, with an average age of 69. Over the 17-year follow-up, 52 participants were diagnosed with dementia. Each percentage decrease in slow-wave sleep per year resulted in a 27% increased risk of developing dementia and a 32% higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia.
The study does not definitively prove that loss of slow-wave sleep causes dementia, but rather establishes a potential “vicious cycle” in which the accumulation of amyloid beta interferes with sleep, leading to a buildup of Alzheimer’s pathology. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize good quality sleep to protect brain health as you age. Seeking medical advice for sleep problems and adopting healthy habits such as exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help improve sleep quality and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. Tracking devices can also provide real-time information on sleep patterns.
