A recent study by the University of California San Francisco has found a possible connection between poor sleep habits and brain shrinkage. Contrary to common concerns, natural brain aging is a normal process that starts in one’s 30s and 40s. However, researchers discovered that individuals who experience difficulties with sleeping tend to have more pronounced atrophy in their brains.
The study surveyed approximately 600 adults on how well they slept and found that even after adjusting for age, sex, education, health, and lifestyle factors, the brains of those who slept poorly were more atrophied. Participants who reported moderate difficulty sleeping had brains that were 1.6 years older, while those with severe difficulties saw a 2.6-year gap between their brain age and actual age.
This finding is consistent with previous research, but it also raises questions about the causal relationship between sleep deprivation and brain shrinkage. The study’s authors emphasize the importance of good sleep quality and suggest that young adults should prioritize healthy sleeping habits to prevent potential brain decline.
Source: https://www.unilad.com/news/health/sleep-study-scientist-bad-sleeping-brain-shrink-318901-20250425