NEW study reveals how insomnia and short sleep impact your brain health

 by: Patrick Tims, staff writer | November 5, 2023

(NaturalHealth365)  Like many individuals, you might find yourself waking up once or even twice during the night.  While this is a common occurrence, these nighttime awakenings can have a detrimental effect on your brain health, particularly if you struggle to fall back asleep.

In fact, recent research highlights the adverse consequences of insufficient sleep and insomnia on the brain.  In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this sleep study and provide valuable tips to improve the quality of your sleep.

Swedish scientists examine how sleep quality relates to dementia

In the Swedish National March Cohort, a prospective study aimed to investigate the potential link between sleep quality, duration, and the onset of dementia.  While researchers suspected a connection, questions remained about whether insomnia symptoms posed a legitimate risk for dementia development.

The study honed in on a group of 22,078 middle-aged and older adults who were free from dementia and stroke.  After a follow-up period of 19.2 years, instances of dementia were meticulously documented.

The researchers employed the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire to assess insomnia symptoms and sleep duration, ultimately determining hazard ratios through multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Insomnia and short sleep are a “double trouble” for dementia risk

When juxtaposed with study participants who did not have baseline insomnia, those who indicated insomnia symptoms endured a higher rate of dementia at the study’s follow-up point of 19.2 years.  Those who had more trouble entering a sleep state yet did not find it difficult to maintain sleep or awake early in the morning were more likely to develop dementia.

Moreover, a comparatively short duration of sleep was linked to a heightened dementia risk.  Ensuing analysis suggests that the symptoms of insomnia heightened the risk of dementia among those who get less than seven hours of nightly sleep.

The study authors noted that the symptoms of insomnia raised the risk of dementia in those who had a minimum of seven hours of sleep as compared to those who did not have insomnia.

However, it is worth noting that short duration of sleep did not further exacerbate the potential for insomniac dementia.  As a result, the study authors concluded that a short duration of sleep and insomnia both hike the risk of dementia among middle-aged and older adults.

Unlock the secrets to sound sleep with these 10 natural solutions

Struggling with sleep?  These holistic tips, combined with a few unconventional tricks, can help you experience rejuvenating rest and peaceful nights.

1. Mindful pre-sleep eating:  Refrain from food and beverages 2-3 hours before bedtime.  Avoid caffeine (including chocolate) for 4-5 hours before sleep.
2. Sweat it out:  Exercise regularly, but try to finish your workout a few hours before bedtime.  Physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest.
3. Optimize your sleep environment:  Revamp your bedroom for better sleep quality.  Use white noise machines at opposite ends of the room to mask disturbances.  Install blackout curtains to keep unwanted light out, signaling your body that it’s time for slumber.
4. Grounding with nature:  Spend time walking on grass or connecting with nature.  Grounding yourself can help reduce stress and improve sleep patterns.
5. Evening rituals:  Develop a soothing evening routine.  Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or a warm bath, to prepare your mind and body for rest.
6. Digital detox:  Avoid screens (phones, computers, TVs) at least an hour before bed.  The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle.
7. Comfortable sleep setup:  Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.  The right sleep gear can significantly improve your sleep quality.
8. Consistent schedule:  Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, even on weekends.
9. Aromatherapy:  Some scents, like lavender and chamomile, are known for their relaxing properties.  Consider using essential oils or sachets in your bedroom.
10. Limit stimulants:  Reduce stimulants like nicotine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime.  These substances can interfere with your sleep cycle.

Combine these holistic approaches and lifestyle changes to create your personalized sleep-enhancing routine.  With a bit of experimentation, you’ll discover the ideal combination for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Sources for this article include:

Academic.oup.com
Medicalxpress.com