A potential connection has been uncovered by scientists between decreased deep sleep and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Previous research has established a correlation between sleep patterns and Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study delves into the specifics of various sleep phases, brain changes, and their association with Alzheimer’s risk.
The study reveals that reductions in certain types of sleep are linked to reduced volume in brain regions that are crucial in Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the risk factors linked to Alzheimer’s is a significant area of interest, given the limited treatment options and rising prevalence of the disease.
In the latest study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the authors explore the relationship between sleep architecture and brain areas relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep architecture refers to the different phases of sleep that the brain goes through each night.
The study examines the four main phases of sleep: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3 (slow-wave sleep), and Stage 4 (REM sleep), which individuals cycle through multiple times during the night.
Past studies have shown that various sleep patterns, such as extended sleep duration or disrupted sleep, are associated with an increased risk of dementia and the progression of the disease. However, prior to this study, direct connections between specific aspects of sleep architecture and Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in relation to the neuroanatomy of the disease, had not been extensively studied.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by brain atrophy, where certain brain regions shrink more than others. These regions include the hippocampus, parahippocampal region, entorhinal region, inferior parietal region, precuneus region, and cuneus region. Additionally, other factors like cerebral microbleeds, indicative of cerebral small vessel disease, are also linked to Alzheimer’s progression.
The recent research explores how specific sleep phases are related to brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer’s. The study involved 270 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Communities Study, utilizing polysomnography to assess sleep architecture and MRI to examine brain anatomy after 13–17 years. The study found that reduced slow-wave sleep was associated with a smaller inferior parietal region and cuneus, while decreased REM sleep was linked to a smaller inferior…
The atrophy of the inferior parietal region and precuneus is most closely related to reductions in slow-wave and REM sleep after correcting for errors. Surprisingly, arousal levels during sleep and microbleeds did not show a connection to the volume of Alzheimer’s-vulnerable brain regions. The decreased slow-wave and REM sleep may increase the risk of atrophy. This study is the first to explore the link between sleep patterns and atrophy in Alzheimer’s-vulnerable brain regions among older individuals. The findings suggest that a decrease in slow-wave and REM sleep could significantly impact the volume of the inferior parietal region. Previous studies have indicated that sleep aids in clearing toxins from the brain, which may explain why a lack of sleep could lead to neurological atrophy. Sleep expert Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD, emphasized the importance of sleep for brain health and its role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic sleep deprivation and reduced slow-wave sleep can impair the brain’s waste removal system, potentially contributing to the accumulation of harmful proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Licensed psychologist Leah Kaylor, PhD, highlighted how the brain clears waste products during sleep, emphasizing the role of slow-wave sleep in the glymphatic system’s function. While the study offers valuable insights, the authors acknowledge the need for further research due to limitations such as the study size and participant diversity. Nonetheless, the importance of sleep for overall health is indisputable. Suggestions for improving sleep include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.
To improve your sleep, aim for 7-9 hours each night, even on weekends. Establish a pre-bedtime routine that involves unwinding and avoiding electronics at least an hour before bed. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable. If you consistently have trouble sleeping, consult a doctor as it could be a sign of a sleep disorder like insomnia or sleep apnea.
Sleep expert Kaylor recommends several tips for better sleep: avoid caffeine for at least 10 hours before bedtime, refrain from eating or drinking close to bedtime, start winding down mentally two hours before bed, and expose yourself to sunlight during the day to strengthen your body’s internal clock.
A recent study sheds light on the link between sleep patterns, brain health, and Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is needed to fully understand these connections, prioritizing quality sleep remains a beneficial choice for overall health. If you struggle with sleep, consider exploring our MNT guide featuring 21 natural ways to improve your sleep. Read the original article on Medical News Today for more information.
