The relationship between dementia and sleep

Sleep and dementia is a complicated topic. The question on many minds is: is there a connection between the two?

Researchers are not yet sure which way the interaction goes - whether poor sleep causes or exacerbates dementia or if dementia leads to poor sleep. Some researchers believe that both of these theories could be true, and the relationship could be circular. It is also unclear what the mechanisms are that underlie these interactions. It is clear that more research is needed to understand this relationship. 

Until then, what we do know is that research suggests that a solid night’s sleep can go a long way to staving off the mental effects of getting older. Sleep benefits the mind in many ways. Not only does it give your brain a chance to lock in memories so that you’re able to recall things like your child’s first birthday for years to come, it also enhances the ability to memorize new skills.  Plus, the sleep you get now may have a long-term influence on your risk for cognitive decline as you age. Adopt these sleep habits to help protect your brain’s health.

Avoid Sleeping In 

Snoozing long past your alarm may seem like a self-care treat, but it could backfire. Surprisingly, too much sleep has been shown to have a negative effect on memory. People who sleep for more than nine hours a night have an increased risk of both dementia and Alzheimer’s compared with those who log six to nine. Aim to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night. 

Limit Disruptions

Sleep interruptions can hurt your brain health. In fact, people who have restless, poor sleep have a higher risk of cognitive decline than those who sleep straight through the night. If you find that your sleep is often fragmented, try to minimize the disruptions by using a white noise machine or blackout curtains if necessary. Not sure whether you’re waking up throughout the night? Use a sleep tracker to help determine how much shut-eye you’re truly getting.

Look Out for Dementia Signs

While disrupted sleep can contribute to poor memory and cognitive decline, nighttime awakenings themselves may be an indication that you’re already affected by dementia, since mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s is often linked with insomnia or increased napping. Talk to your doctor if you’ve noticed that your sleeping habits have changed. Together, you can discuss whether cognitive decline is playing a role in your lost sleep, and what to do about it.