Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have found a surprising connection between sleep quality and brain atrophy. A 2024 study surveyed 600 adults on their sleep habits and followed up with brain scans a decade later. The results showed that those who struggled with poor sleep had brains that were significantly more atrophied than those who slept well.
The study found that even after accounting for age, sex, education, and lifestyle factors, participants who reported poor sleep had brains that were on average 1.6 to 2.6 years older than their well-rested counterparts. This suggests that poor sleep may be a risk factor for brain atrophy, potentially leading to cognitive decline over time.
However, the study’s findings also raise questions about the relationship between sleep and brain shrinkage. Could shrinking brains lead to sleep disturbances, or does poor sleep cause the brain to shrink? Further investigation is needed to better understand this complex relationship.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Kristine Yaffe, emphasized the importance of prioritizing good sleep quality, particularly at younger ages, to help prevent brain decline in later life. Improving sleep quality may be an effective way to protect the brain, and ensuring adequate rest, minimizing distractions, and creating a sleep-friendly environment can all contribute to maintaining a healthy brain as you age.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/can-poor-sleep-age-your-brain-faster-new-study-reveals-shocking-link-to-shrinking-grey-matter/articleshow/120625667.cms?from=mdr