{"id":25129,"date":"2025-04-14T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/alzheimers-sleep-connection\/"},"modified":"2025-04-14T15:31:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T15:31:27","slug":"alzheimers-sleep-connection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/alzheimers-sleep-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"New Study Links Lack of Deep Sleep to Markers of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You know sleep is good for the brain<\/a>, but a<\/a> new study<\/a> published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine<\/em>, the official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, finds a link between sleep and the neurodegenerative brain disease Alzheimer\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically, a lack of\u00a0deep\u00a0slow wave sleep<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0rapid eye movement (REM)\u00a0sleep<\/a>\u00a0was linked with a buildup of beta-amyloid plaques\u2014brain proteins that are key markers of Alzheimer\u2019s.

More research is needed to fully understand the link between sleep and Alzheimer\u2019s, but this study adds to a growing body of literature connecting Alzheimer\u2019s and sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also suggests that sleep itself\u2014including issues like sleep apnea<\/a>\u2014could be a critical determining factor for the development of dementia<\/a>, a group of symptoms including memory loss, confusion, and poor judgment. (Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

A new study finds that a lack of deep sleep and REM sleep is linked to a buildup of beta-amyloid plaques\u2014brain proteins that are key markers of Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting enough quality, restful sleep isn\u2019t just about feeling refreshed; it could help protect your brain from long-term damage,\u201d says Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 6.7 million Americans 65 and older<\/a> live with Alzheimer’s disease, a figure that’s projected to double by 2060, barring medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the condition. Fortunately, sleep is one factor you can take control of right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, a look at what to know about sleep, dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s, sleep apnea, and more\u2014and how to protect your rest and, in turn, your brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"diagram
Your brain needs sleep to maintain the pathways required for learning and creating new memories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The importance of sleep for brain health <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your brain is impressively active while you’re sleeping; in fact, sleep is an essential aspect of maintaining brain health.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Licensed psychologist and author of the forthcoming book Sleep Advantage<\/em> Leah Kaylor<\/a>, PhD, says sleep supports memory consolidation, promotes overall cognitive functioning, and clears metabolic waste, including beta-amyloid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without sleep<\/a>, your brain can\u2019t form or maintain the pathways required for learning and creating new memories. A lack of sleep also makes it harder to concentrate and respond quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200bSleep deprivation negatively impacts<\/a> your ability to process emotions and is linked with mental health conditions such as anxiety<\/a> and depression<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep\u2019s most important role, however, might be the \u201chousekeeping\u201d work it does in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Worried
Chronic\u00a0sleep deprivation\u00a0is linked with a\u00a033% increase in dementia risk, according to Johns Hopkins University.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between Alzheimer’s and sleep<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u200b<\/strong>First, let\u2019s talk about the recent findings: <\/strong>The new Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine<\/em><\/a> study examined the sleep architecture\u2014specifically patterns of deep (slow wave) and REM sleep\u2014of 270 people and assessed their brain volume 13 to 17 years later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers found that spending less time in deep and REM sleep was associated with reduced volume in Alzheimer\u2019s-vulnerable brain regions, particularly the inferior parietal cortex, among the first areas affected by the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese results are particularly significant because they help characterize how sleep deficiency, a prevalent disturbance among middle-aged and older adults, may relate to Alzheimer\u2019s disease pathogenesis and cognitive impairment,” said<\/a> lead author Gawon Cho, PhD, in a press release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis reinforces the idea that suboptimal sleep is causally related to the development of dementia,\u201d adds Hamid Djalilian<\/a>, MD, a professor of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, and biomedical engineering at the University of California, Irvine, who wasn’t involved in the research. \u201cYour sleep now could affect the structure of your brain 15 years in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic sleep deprivation<\/a> is linked with a 33% increase in dementia risk<\/a>, according to Johns Hopkins University. Says Djalilian: \u201cWe\u2019re beginning to realize that optimizing sleep, especially early in life, may be one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term neurodegenerative risk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how exactly might sleep\u2014or the lack of it\u2014influence Alzheimer\u2019s risk? That’s the topic of plenty of neuroscience research lately. Some imaging studies (like this most recent one) suggest chronic poor sleep is linked with shrinkage in key brain regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another theory centers on the glymphatic system, a waste clearance system for the brain. During deep, slow-wave sleep, the brain shrinks slightly to allow cerebrospinal fluid to flow more freely, explains Kaylor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWe\u2019re beginning to realize that optimizing sleep, especially early in life, may be one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term neurodegenerative risk.\u201d – Hamid Djalilian, MD, a\u00a0professor of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, and biomedical engineering at the University of California, Irvine<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis fluid acts like a car wash,\u201d Kaylor says, clearing out toxins such as beta-amyloids, tau proteins, and other substances<\/a> linked to neurodegenerative diseases. \u201cIt\u2019s like the brain\u2019s nightly trash pickup\u2014if it doesn\u2019t happen, that waste starts to build up.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200bD<\/a>ysfunction of this system<\/a> could contribute to dementia<\/a>, the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>, and potentially the risk of Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sleep
There’s a\u00a0well-established link\u00a0between untreated sleep apnea and an increased risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea and Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u200b<\/strong>In addition to links between sleep and Alzheimer\u2019s, there’s a well-established link<\/a> between untreated (keyword) obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200bWhile the full mechanisms are not fully understood, Dasgupta explains that obstructive sleep apnea can repeatedly deprive your brain of oxygen during sleep. \u201cLow oxygen levels and poor quality sleep due to the apneas have been implicated in cognitive decline,” he says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Senior
One of the best ways to improve your sleep (and protect your brain) is to get natural sunlight in the morning, which will help keep your circadian rhythm on track.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to improve your sleep and lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u200b<\/strong>While more research is needed to fully understand the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s, there\u2019s plenty you can do to safeguard your sleep\u2014and, in turn, your brain health. Experts prescribe these four strategies to patients daily:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Treat any underlying sleep disorders<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you snore<\/a>, gasp, or wake often, screen for sleep apnea\u2014it\u2019s a silent contributor to neurodegeneration,\u201d says Djalilian. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think you might have a sleep disorder, talk to your healthcare provider and seek the support of a specialist; doing so could go a long way for your brain health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn some cases<\/a>, treating sleep apnea may help restore the brain\u2019s natural waste-clearing function and lower dementia risk,\u201d says Djalilian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Be consistent<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One hard and fast rule sleep professionals stick to is maintaining a regular\u00a0sleep schedule<\/a>\u2014waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day; it’s one of the best things you can do for your sleep, says Dasgupta. It’ll help your brain anticipate sleep, making sleep healthier overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consistency extends to a bedtime routine too. \u201cWinding down is essential to signal to the body that it\u2019s time to rest, fostering restful sleep and supporting overall well-being,\u201d says Kaylor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try cutting out electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, skipping alcohol<\/a> or caffeine<\/a>, practicing short gratitude, or deep breathing for relaxation. Making your sleeping environment a dark, cool, calming environment is also key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIn some cases, treating sleep apnea may help restore the brain\u2019s natural waste-clearing function and lower dementia risk.\u201d – Hamid Djalilian, MD<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

3. Engage in “circadian therapy”<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best ways to keep your circadian rhythm<\/a> on track is to get 30 minutes or so of natural sunlight in the morning and avoid blue light (screens) in the evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appropriately timed lightness and darkness help signal to the brain when it\u2019s time to be alert and awake and when it\u2019s time to wind down and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Set yourself up for better sleep during the day<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What you do during the day has a big impact on how well you sleep at night. Regular exercise<\/a> and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet<\/a> are key factors in boosting sleep quality and duration, says Dasgupta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timing matters: Steer clear of intense workouts in the few hours before bed and skip heavy meals or sugary snacks late at night\u2014both can mess with your rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Djalilian adds that anti-inflammatory diets and omega-3 supplements may support<\/a> your brain\u2019s glymphatic system (that built-in \u201ccar wash\u201d) and help guard against cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How does Alzheimer\u2019s affect sleep?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s can disrupt the body\u2019s internal clock, leading to trouble falling asleep, frequent wake-ups, and confusion about time\u2014especially in the evening, a pattern known as sundowning, says Dasgupta. The relationship goes both ways, adds Djalilian: \u201cPoor sleep can speed up Alzheimer\u2019s progression, and Alzheimer\u2019s further disrupts sleep. Addressing sleep early may help break this cycle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep is an essential function for your health. Next, learn all about the benefits of sleep for your physical and mental well-being<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You know sleep is good for the brain, but a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, finds a link between sleep and the neurodegenerative brain disease Alzheimer\u2019s.  Specifically, a lack of\u00a0deep\u00a0slow wave sleep\u00a0and\u00a0rapid eye movement (REM)\u00a0sleep\u00a0was linked with a buildup of beta-amyloid plaques\u2014brain proteins that are key markers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":34980,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[398,389],"tags":[],"coauthors":[430],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-25129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-disorders-conditions","category-sleep-health"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25129","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25129"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34988,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25129\/revisions\/34988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25129"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25129"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=25129"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=25129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}