Sleeping poorly can have far greater consequences than simple fatigue. Particularly on cognitive decline…
Difficulty falling asleep, repeated nocturnal awakenings, unrefreshing sleep… With age, nights often become more complicated. Waking up at 5 a.m., for example, is really not normal. If it is already proven that sleep problems can increase the risk of stroke, a new study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reveals this time that they are associated with a higher risk of dementia after age 65.
This work, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, analyzed data from nearly 5,800 Americans aged over 65. Researchers studied several symptoms linked to insomnia, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night, and then compared them to the development of cognitive problems over time. Result: the authors estimate that around 13% of cases of dementia could be associated with insomnia. In other words, nearly one in eight cases could be linked to this frequent sleep problem with age.
According to sleep experts, insomnia isn’t just about “getting little sleep.” It mainly corresponds to poor quality of sleep with an impact during the day. The National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance defines insomnia as dissatisfaction linked to the quantity or quality of sleep, associated with one or more symptoms: difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, waking up too early or non-restorative sleep. These disorders lead to fatigue, problems concentrating, irritability or drowsiness during the day. And in the long run weigh on cognitive decline.
We know that sleep tends to become lighter and more fragmented with aging, especially since certain pathologies, chronic pain or medication treatments can also disrupt the nights. However, specialists believe that we should not trivialize these difficulties when they persist over time, but should seek to improve our sleep. How ?
Several simple measures are recommended: maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid screens before bedtime, limit coffee, tea or alcohol after 5 p.m. and engage in physical activity during the day. When the problems persist for several weeks or have a significant impact on daily life, it is advisable to talk to your doctor. Other health factors can also play a role in the development of dementia, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and depression. Taking care of your health in general helps preserve your cognitive health as you age.
