Go To Sleep!
Chronic Insufficient Sleep Another Risk Factor for Dementia
A study released this week shows a clear association between insufficient sleep during middle age and the evolution of dementia some years later. Nearly 8000 people were followed for 25 years. Those with six or less hours of sleep at 50, 60, and 70 years old, compared to those who logged in 7 or more hours, had a 30% increased risk of developing dementia in their 70s, regardless of socioeconomics, other lifestyle behaviors, cardiac health, mental health or cognitive health history. These findings strongly suggest that ongoing sleep deprivation in middle age is associated with an elevated risk of dementia in the 70s.
This is yet another reason we need to get our sleep! And right to the point: there are many natural and integrative medicine approaches that work to ensure adequate and restful sleep.
Lifestyle and environmental factors, psychosocial issues, medical conditions and drug side effects may each contribute to underlying causes for sleep disruption. More time in front of screens, lack of exercise, certain dietary choices and overall stress combine to contribute to an epidemic of poor and inadequate sleep. We have too many people dependent on sleeping aids, which can lead to all kinds of other challenges, including being another risk factor for cognitive decline.
