A popular trend of waking up at 5am has been touted as a key to productivity, but neuroscientists are warning that it may not be as beneficial as thought. Dr. Rachel Barr recently addressed this topic on TikTok, questioning the benefits of rising early and highlighting potential issues.
According to Barr, our individual internal clock, or circadian rhythm, plays a crucial role in determining our sleepiness, hunger, and alertness levels. Genetics also play a significant part, with some people naturally being “night owls” who may not thrive on an early morning wake-up routine.
A 2016 study found that individuals with reported sleep disturbances were at a higher risk of incident all-cause dementia, while research from January revealed that people with Alzheimer’s disease experienced delayed REM sleep periods. This can lead to elevated levels of toxic proteins, such as amyloid and tau, which are associated with a worsened risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Sleep consultant Rosey Davidson agrees, stating that chronic sleep deprivation can affect memory, decision-making, mood, and mental health. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep, being mindful of wind-down times, and creating an environment and routine that supports restful sleep.
In light of this research, experts are advising against forcing oneself to wake up at 5am if it’s not natural for them. Instead, they recommend focusing on finding a sleep schedule that works best for individual biology and lifestyles.
Source: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/health/dementia-risk-linked-unhealthy-sleeping-9964863