Highly Irregular Sleep Patterns Linked to Higher Dementia Risks
If the times you go to sleep and awaken each day vary too much, you may be at a higher risk for developing dementia. In a study published in the journal Neurology examining a sample of more than 88,000 adults with an average age of 62, researchers found a strong association between individuals with very irregular sleep patterns and a higher risk of dementia. Study participants wore wrist devices that measured their sleep cycle for seven days. They were then followed for an average of seven years. Compared with individuals who maintained a relatively regular sleep schedule, those with irregular sleep schedules were 53 percent more likely to develop dementia (adjusting for factors such as age and genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease). The study was observational and did not prove that irregular sleep causes dementia. However, the researchers suggested that establishing more consistent sleep patterns may be one way to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Other studies have also found that sticking to a regular bedtime and wake-up time can help people achieve the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep needed for optimal brain health.
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