A recent study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has revealed that poor sleep quality in your 40s may have long-term effects on brain health. Researchers from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) found that individuals who reported difficulty sleeping in their 40s had brains that were 1.6 to 2.6 years older by the time they reached their 50s compared to those who consistently got quality sleep.
The study included 589 participants with a mean age of 40, who were asked to report their sleep habits, including trouble falling asleep, waking up multiple times at night, and waking up too early. Participants were categorized based on the number of poor sleep characteristics they exhibited, such as short sleep duration, bad sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness.
Five years later, the same survey was sent to participants, and after another 10 years, MRI scans and machine learning tests were used to estimate the participants' brain age. The researchers found that individuals with more than three poor sleep characteristics had brains that were 2.6 years older on average compared to those with one or fewer characteristics.
Experts emphasize the importance of quality sleep in maintaining overall health, as it can improve brain health, lower dementia risk, decrease inflammation, and boost the immune system. Recommendations for promoting good sleep include exercising during the day, avoiding electronic devices before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a cool, dark sleeping environment.
While the study focused on the association between poor sleep and brain aging, it is important to note that the research was observational and cannot establish causation. However, the findings highlight the significance of prioritizing quality sleep at all stages of life to support overall well-being and cognitive function.