A recent study suggests that taking sleeping pills may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing levels of two key proteins associated with the condition. Researchers found that people who took suvorexant, a common medication for insomnia, for just two nights had lower build-up of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid.
The study, published in 2023, involved 38 middle-aged participants who displayed no signs of cognitive impairment or sleep issues. The participants were divided into two groups: one received suvorexant and the other a placebo pill. After just one night of disrupted sleep, amyloid-beta concentrations were reduced by 10-20% in the group that took suvorexant.
The researchers believe that improving sleep may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk by allowing the brain to remove leftover proteins and toxins. However, they caution against using sleeping pills indiscriminately, as they can lead to shallow sleep and dependence on the medication.
The study found no difference in sleep quality between the two groups, but reduced tau phosphorylation, which is linked to cell death and neuronal damage. The researchers hope that future studies will develop drugs that take advantage of the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease to prevent cognitive decline.
While the study’s findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. For now, improving sleep through healthy habits and lifestyle changes remains a key strategy for reducing the risk of this devastating condition.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/popular-sleeping-pill-linked-to-reduced-alzheimers-protein-buildup-study-reveals/articleshow/116717846.cms