Sleeping poorly may accelerate brain aging, researchers find
Sleep Quality Linked to Brain Age
Getting consistent, quality sleep may be more important than ever, according to new research from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Scientists analyzed MRI scans of over 27,000 adults to estimate their “brain age” and compared it to their sleep habits.
They found that participants with poor sleep had brains that appeared, on average, one year older than their actual age. This effect was more pronounced in men than in women.
How Sleep Affects Brain Health
The study, published in eBioMedicine, categorized participants into three sleep pattern groups:
- Healthy sleep patterns (41%)
- Intermediate sleep patterns (56%)
- Poor sleep patterns (3%)
After nine years, participants underwent MRI scans. Those with the lowest sleep scores showed the largest gap between brain age and chronological age — with brain aging accelerating by about six months for every drop in sleep quality score.
Study author Dr. Abigail Dove noted that inflammation explained about 10% of the link between poor sleep and accelerated brain aging, suggesting it’s a key mechanism but not the only one.
Broader Health Impacts of Poor Sleep
According to the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, 14.5% of adults regularly struggle with sleep. Sleep issues like insomnia and sleep apnea can affect mood, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of heart disease.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis, commented: “Poor sleep isn’t just about feeling tired — it can actually age your brain.” He emphasized the importance of long-term sleep hygiene for cognitive health.
Tips to Improve Sleep
Dasgupta recommends the following strategies:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
- Limit caffeine and heavy meals before bed
- Try relaxing routines like reading or meditation
Dr. Daniel Truong, neurologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, added: “Even modest brain age acceleration can increase the risk of dementia, especially when combined with other factors like hypertension or diabetes.”
He advised: “Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. If you snore heavily, feel excessively sleepy during the day, or have long-term insomnia, seek evaluation — not just for brain health, but for your overall well-being.”
Source: Medical News Today