A recent study by University of California researchers has uncovered a significant link between daytime drowsiness and an increased risk of dementia in older women. The research found that even those who get their recommended eight hours of sleep per night may still be at risk due to poor quality rest.
The study, conducted on 733 women aged 65 and above, analyzed data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) and used wrist-worn actigraphs to measure sleeping and waking activity. The researchers discovered that nearly three-quarters of the women experienced declining nighttime sleep or increased sleepiness over a five-year period.
Those with declining nighttime sleep had double the risk of dementia compared to those with stable sleep patterns, while women who experienced increasing sleepiness had even higher risks – up to two-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia. The study suggests that poor sleep quality may be an early marker for dementia in older adults.
The researchers found that these women were more likely to experience cognitive impairment and napped during the day, indicating disrupted circadian rhythms and worsened sleep quality over time. This highlights the need for further research into the link between sleep patterns and dementia risk.
The study’s findings align with previous studies that have demonstrated a connection between inadequate sleep duration and increased risk of dementia. It also underscores the importance of focusing on overall sleep quality rather than just quantity, as poor sleep can be both a symptom and contributor to dementia.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14516497/doctors-terrifying-condition-dementia-linked-daytime-drowsiness-sleep.html