Explore the lesser-known aspects of sleep paralysis, including its causes, prevalence, cultural interpretations, and potential remedies.

7 little-known facts about sleep paralysis

1. Sleep paralysis is more common than you might expect.

Research suggests that around 8% of the general population experiences sleep paralysis at some point in their lives. However, certain demographic groups, such as students, people with psychiatric conditions like anxiety or depression, and those with sleep disorders, have a higher likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis episodes.

2. Different cultures have attempted to explain sleep paralysis through folklore and mythology.

Across the globe, various names and interpretations have emerged, such as the “pisadeira” in Brazil and the “kanashibari” in Japan. In some folklore, sleep paralysis is associated with demons or malevolent spirits that sit on your chest, causing pressure and immobilization. Similarly, stories of alien abductions often parallel the sensations and hallucinations reported during sleep paralysis episodes.

3. You may have vivid hallucinations during sleep paralysis.

One of the most unnerving aspects of sleep paralysis is the presence of vivid and active hallucinations. These hallucinations can take various forms, from dark figures lurking in the room to menacing creatures sitting on your chest. Some researchers believe that these hallucinations stem from the brain’s inability to properly transition between sleep and wakefulness, leading to the blending of dream imagery with the individual’s sense of reality.

4. Several factors can trigger episodes of sleep paralysis.

Sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy have been associated with an increased likelihood of sleep paralysis. In fact, one team of researchers was able to induce episodes of sleep paralysis by depriving participants of REM sleep—a finding that backs up studies pointing to disrupted sleep as a high risk factor. Additionally, stress, anxiety, certain medications, and sleep position have been identified as potential triggers.

5. Sleep paralysis is closely tied to REM sleep.

Normally, your brain prevents your muscles from moving while you’re in REM sleep. It’s a way your brain protects you from acting out your dreams and hurting yourself in your sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs when you regain awareness while you’re either falling asleep or waking up. During sleep paralysis, the vivid dreams of REM sleep can spill over into emerging wakefulness, leading to hallucinations. Research has proposed that overactivation of the amygdala, the brain region responsible for processing emotions and fear, may contribute to the intense feelings of terror experienced during an episode of sleep paralysis.

6. Other sleep disorders may raise the risk of sleep paralysis.

Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea have been linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis. Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, often involves episodes of sleep paralysis. Sleep apnea, which causes breathing interruptions during sleep, may lead to sleep fragmentation and an increased risk of sleep paralysis.

7. There’s no definitive cure for sleep paralysis.

Treatment of sleep paralysis is aimed at whatever causes it to occur. Several strategies can help manage and reduce its frequency. Because sleep deprivation may trigger sleep paralysis, aim to get 7 or more hours of sleep regularly. Establishing regular sleep patterns, managing stress levels, and improving sleep hygiene can be beneficial. Treating any underlying sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea, can also help alleviate the recurrence of sleep paralysis symptoms.

Medical review by Rafael Sepulveda-Acosta MD, D-ABOM

Related:

• Sleep paralysis: The devil, the ghost & the old hag

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post What you never knew about sleep paralysis appeared first on Sleep Education.

The struggle for parking spaces

Truck drivers are confronted daily with insufficient truck parking spaces. There is currently only one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road. This places pressure on truck drivers to find a secure spot to rest within the limits of their legal work hours, pushing them to make risky decisions to meet their work obligations. As a result, many drivers resort to parking on freeway off-ramps, side streets, and retail parking lots.

Legislative efforts

Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers in Congress have joined forces to address this issue. They are backing bills that would allocate $755 million to build additional truck parking spots nationwide. Truckers are relying on this legislation to provide them with safe places to rest during their mandatory breaks.

Fatigue and drowsy driving

Truck drivers operate under federally mandated “Hours of Service” regulations that aim to prevent fatigue-related accidents. However, recent changes to these regulations have raised concerns about the impact on road safety. Longer on-duty times may lead to fatigue, which impairs a driver’s performance behind the wheel. Fatigue can compromise a driver’s ability to maintain necessary skills like eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

Recent research suggests truck drivers sleep, on average, about 6.2 hours per day before driving, which is less than the recommended 7 or more hours the AASM recommends. Additionally, drivers traveling between time zones may face an additional burden of fatigue. For truckers, the effect of shifting time zones is amplified given their non-traditional work schedule, raising the risk of drowsy driving accidents.

Scheduling variations pose a safety risk as well. Truckers may experience shift work disorder, which occurs when you have difficulties adjusting to your wake and sleep times due to your work schedule. Shift work disorder causes you to have trouble sleeping or be severely tired.

Watch this video for truckers to understand the signs, causes, and consequences of driver fatigue.

The role of sleep apnea

While long work hours can contribute to fatigue, sleep apnea may also play a role. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to poor quality sleep and daytime drowsiness. Sleep apnea can impair drivers’ ability to stay alert and attentive behind the wheel. Estimates into the prevalence of sleep apnea among truck drivers vary; most likely, around 40% of truckers have the sleep disorder.

Despite its potential impact on road safety, there is no federal requirement for sleep apnea testing for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Some drivers fear that undergoing a sleep study and getting diagnosed with sleep apnea could jeopardize their jobs. However, it’s essential to recognize that sleep apnea is treatable. Your medical provider or a sleep doctor can help you select a treatment plan that is right for you.

Conclusion

The shortage of truck parking spaces has become a major roadblock for truck drivers. The constant search for a safe resting place leaves many drivers sleep-deprived and prone to drowsy driving accidents. Providing rest and parking for truck drivers is more than just a convenience, it’s a step toward ensuring safety on the road.

Medical review by John Saito, MD

Related:

• Study shows high rate of truckers with undiagnosed sleep apnea
• Sleep apnea, shift work a danger on the roads and rails

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post The growing shortage of truck parking: A ticking time bomb for drowsy driving accidents appeared first on Sleep Education.

Allergy symptoms make it hard to get a good night’s rest

One of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies is nasal congestion. This can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, which can lead to snoring or worsen obstructive sleep apnea. When we sleep, our muscles relax, including the muscles that keep our airways open. When we have allergies, the congestion often leads to mouth-breathing, which can make it even harder to keep our airways open, leading to disrupted sleep.

Another common symptom of allergies is itching, particularly in the eyes and nose. This itching can be especially bothersome at night, making it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, scratching can lead to inflammation and swelling, which can worsen congestion and make breathing even more difficult.

Seasonal allergies can also cause sneezing and coughing, which can be disruptive to sleep. Sneezing and post-nasal drip with persistent nighttime cough can disrupt our sleep, wake us up, and make it hard to fall back to sleep. Additionally, these repeated movements can cause muscle soreness and fatigue, which can further impact our ability to get a good night’s rest.

Allergies can also lead to fatigue. This can make it hard to stay awake during the day and can lead to difficulties concentrating or focusing. When we are tired, we are also more prone to accidents, both at home and at work.

Address allergies to sleep better

Fortunately, there are some steps we can take to help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies and improve our sleep quality. One of the most important things we can do is to try to reduce our exposure to allergens. This may mean staying indoors during peak allergy season, using air purifiers, or wearing a mask when we are outside. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers additional tips for controlling allergens at home.

We can also try using over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. These medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate congestion, making it easier to breathe and sleep. Additionally, consider nasal saline spray or irrigation to help flush out allergens and alleviate nasal congestion.

Remember also that seasonal allergies can trigger asthma flare and cause sinus infection in those who are at risk. Optimizing treatment of these co-existing conditions will improve sleep health and general well-being.

It is also important to maintain healthy sleep habits. This means establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and creating a cool, quiet, and comfortable sleeping environment.

Don’t let seasonal allergies ruin your sleep

Seasonal allergies can be a nuisance, but with a little effort, we can minimize their impact on our sleep and daily lives. By taking steps to reduce our exposure to allergens and utilizing medications and good sleep hygiene practices, we can get the restful sleep we need to feel our best.

Medical review by John Saito, MD 

Related:

• Sleep tips for the summer

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post How seasonal allergies affect sleep appeared first on Sleep Education.

In this article, we will explore how sleep quality differs by geographic location in the U.S.

Factors influencing sleep quality

First, let’s look at the factors that can influence sleep quality. These include temperature, humidity, altitude, noise, light pollution, and socioeconomic factors such as stress levels and access to health care. These factors can impact the quantity and quality of sleep that individuals get each night.

• Temperature can affect sleep quality. People who live in warmer climates tend to have more difficulty sleeping, especially during the summer months. The humidity levels in these areas can also contribute to sleep disturbances, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Conversely, those who live in colder climates may find it easier to sleep, as cooler temperatures can promote better sleep.
• Altitude is another factor that can affect sleep quality. Individuals who live at higher altitudes may experience sleep disturbances due to decreased oxygen levels.
• Noise pollution can also be a significant factor, especially for those who live in urban areas or near major transportation hubs.
• Light pollution is another factor that can impact sleep quality. Light from streetlights, cars, and buildings can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, people who work night shifts or have irregular sleep schedules may be more susceptible to the negative effects of light pollution.
• Socioeconomic factors can also play a role in sleep quality. Individuals who experience high levels of stress due to work, financial difficulties, or other factors may have trouble sleeping.
• Lack of access to health care can also contribute to sleep problems, as individuals with undiagnosed sleep disorders may not receive the treatment they need to improve their sleep quality.

How does sleep differ by region?

Recently, U.S. News & World Report‘s 360 Reviews conducted a study to discover the best – and worst – cities for sleep in the U.S. By scoring each city by a variety of factors, including road noise, air quality, and more, the study ranked the top 50 cities in the U.S.

Among the top cities for sleep health are Austin, TX; Raleigh, NC; and Fort Worth, TX. The worst? Philadelphia, PA, ranks at the top, followed by Miami, FL, and Detroit, MI.

How do the findings stack up against existing research?

According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states in the southeastern United States have higher rates of insufficient sleep than those in other regions of the country. This may be due to the warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels in these areas, which can make it harder to sleep comfortably. Studies have also shown that this region has a higher prevalence of obesity and other chronic conditions, which can affect sleep.

A data brief from the National Center for Health Statistics found that the percentage of adults who had trouble falling asleep increased as the place of residence became more rural. Socioeconomic factors, such as education or income level, may affect this.

Altitude can also impact sleep quality. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, individuals who live at higher altitudes may report more sleep disturbances than those who live at lower elevations. This is likely due to the decreased oxygen levels at higher altitudes, which can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How to get better sleep

Sleep quality can vary greatly depending on geographic location in the U.S. Factors such as temperature, humidity, altitude, noise pollution, light pollution, and socioeconomic factors can all contribute to sleep disturbances.

Products, such as blackout curtains, eye masks, or white noise machines, can help if environmental factors are disrupting sleep.

However, constantly feeling tired or sleeping poorly may point to more than a disruptive environment. These may be signs of an underlying sleep disorder. Individuals who experience sleep problems should talk to their health care provider to determine the underlying cause of their sleep disturbances and develop a plan to improve their sleep quality.

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post Where you live may affect how well you sleep appeared first on Sleep Education.

There is evidence to suggest that sleep can have an impact on epilepsy, and epilepsy can contribute to sleep problems.

Sleep deprivation may trigger seizures

For people with epilepsy, sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of seizures. This may be because sleep deprivation can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to an increase in abnormal electrical activity that can trigger seizures.

It’s important for people with epilepsy to get enough high-quality sleep to help manage their condition.

Sleep disorders linked to epilepsy

In addition, certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, have also been linked to an increased risk of epilepsy. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s airways become blocked during sleep, interrupting their breathing. This can cause the brain to become oxygen-deprived, which may increase the risk of seizures.

Epilepsy may be linked to other sleep disorders as well. One study found that 43 percent of participants with epilepsy had clinically significant insomnia. In this sample, researchers found that insomnia was associated with poor short-term seizure control and worsened quality of life.

How epilepsy impacts sleep

While sleep problems may affect symptoms of epilepsy, epilepsy can also worsen the ability to get good sleep or worsen existing sleep disorders.

Nighttime seizures can lead to sleep disruptions or awakenings. In fact, the Epilepsy Society notes that, for some people, the effects of having a seizure may upset sleep patterns for several days.

Also, some drugs used to treat epilepsy may interfere with sleep. Some medications may make people sleepier or lead to problems falling or staying asleep.

Managing sleep and epilepsy

Getting adequate, high-quality sleep may help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy. Follow these 14 tips to improve your sleep.

People with trouble sleeping should speak with a health care provider to identify the cause of their sleep problems.

Medical review by Rafael J. Sepulveda-Acosta, MD

Related:

• Insomnia, poor sleep common in patients with epilepsy
• Brain chemical could be key to happiness

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post A lack of sleep may trigger seizures in epilepsy appeared first on Sleep Education.

Sleep and COPD are connected in several ways.

Breathing difficulties from COPD affect sleep

People with COPD may experience sleep disturbances due to their condition. They may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be particularly severe at night, making it difficult for people with COPD to get a good night’s sleep.

Breathing difficulties can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to poor sleep quality and a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing them to stop breathing briefly. This can lead to disrupted sleep and a range of health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

When COPD and sleep apnea occur together, it’s known as “overlap syndrome.” Combined, these two conditions cause a major drop in oxygen during sleep, which increases the risk of chronic health problems.

Sleep problems can worsen COPD symptoms

Poor sleep can worsen symptoms of COPD, as the body relies on sleep to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue and increased inflammation in the body, which can make breathing difficulties worse.

Lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to respiratory infections, which are a common complication of COPD. In turn, illness can worsen COPD symptoms and make it even harder to sleep.

Also, a recent study found a link between poor sleep and an increased risk of life-threatening COPD flare-ups. The risk for these flare-ups, which are sudden bouts of worsened breathing, was 25 to 95 percent higher in people with poor sleep.

Conclusion

Sleep and COPD are connected in that COPD can cause sleep disturbances, and sleep disturbances can worsen the symptoms of COPD.

It’s important for people with COPD to prioritize healthy sleep habits and seek help if they’re experiencing sleep problems. By addressing your sleep needs, you can improve your symptoms and overall health.

Medical review by Reeba Mathew MD, FCCP

Related:

• Sleeping pills could have harmful side effects for COPD patients
• Insomnia a risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary patients

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Sleeping with COPD appeared first on Sleep Education.

Does my child have a sleep problem?

Up to 50% of all children may experience a sleep problem, but a much smaller percentage of children have a formal sleep disorder diagnosis.

Sleep disorders prevent children from getting the healthy sleep that they need. Children who don’t sleep well can be tired and cranky during the day. They also can have behavioral problems.

Common childhood sleep disorders include:

• Difficulty falling asleep and problems sleeping through the night: At one time or another, most children have trouble sleeping through the night. It’s more concerning if the problem becomes a nightly pattern or if it has a negative effect on your child during the day.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: Many children may snore when they have a cold or allergies. Nightly snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. It can be caused by a deviated nasal septum or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Other features that can be present include open-mouth breathing, sweating during sleep, or restless, fragmented sleep. In some children, you may observe periods of snoring followed by long, silent pauses between breaths.
• Restless legs syndrome: Children may complain that they have a creepy-crawly, tugging, itchy or tingly sensation in their legs when they try to sleep. Younger children who may not be able to describe these symptoms may prompt you to massage or rub their legs to go to sleep. Symptoms of restless legs syndrome tend to improve with walking or stretching.
• Nightmares: It’s normal for a child to be frightened by a vivid dream. However, frequent nightmares are much less common. Nightmares become a problem if they cause anxiety, distress, or bedtime resistance.
• Sleepwalking: It’s common for children to sleepwalk. They usually stop sleepwalking by the time they become a teen. Sleepwalking can be dangerous if your child uses stairs or appliances, or leaves the house.
• Bedwetting: Children who are under the age of 5 often wet the bed. Bedwetting is considered a sleep disorder if your child is older than 5 years and has episodes at least twice a week. Some children may begin to wet the bed during periods of emotional distress.

A sleep disorder can cause problems for your child’s daytime alertness, mood, school performance, and safety.

The good news? Treating a sleep disorder may prevent or minimize its negative effects on development, health, mood, and performance.

How much sleep do children need?

The most common sleep problem in children is a lack of adequate sleep time. Younger children require the longest sleep duration. Children require less sleep as they age.

How much sleep do kids and teens need? The AASM recommends:

• Infants 4-12 months old: 12-16 hours (including naps)
• Children 1-2 years old: 11-14 hours (including naps)
• Children 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours (including naps)
• Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours
• Teens 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours

Children who have inconsistent sleep schedules are more likely to have sleep problems. Use the AASM’s bedtime calculator to find the best bedtime for your child based on their wake time.

Healthy sleep requires adequate sleep duration, good quality, appropriate timing, regularity, and the absence of sleep disorders.

How can I improve my child’s sleep?

Help your child develop healthy sleep habits. Set a regular bedtime, develop a relaxing bedtime routine to help your child settle down for the night, and set a “technology curfew” to limit the use of electronics in the evening.

Talk to your child’s doctor about any ongoing sleep problems. The doctor will help find and treat any underlying causes of your child’s sleep problem.

Medical review by Anne Marie Morse, DO, FAASM

Related:

• Healthy sleep is vital to children’s well-being
• 5 ways to help your child get better sleep

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Sleep disorders in children appeared first on Sleep Education.

Now, researchers are raising the possibility that sleep – or lack thereof – may be a factor in determining if we help each other. A surprising new set of research studies found that sleep loss may affect our generosity at an individual, group, and societal level.

Loss of sleep, loss of empathy

Researchers at University of California, Berkley, led three small studies to explore generosity at different levels.

In one study, they exposed a group of healthy adults to a night of 8 hours of sleep and a night with no sleep. Researchers scanned the participants’ brains after each night. After a sleepless night, areas of the brain involved in empathy and helping behavior were less active. In fact, 78% of study participants demonstrated a reduction in the desire to help others.

You’re less helpful after a night of poor sleep

In the next study, researchers tracked 136 people through online questionnaires and sleep diaries for a few days. They wanted to see if nightly variations in sleep affected their desire to help others.

They found that, when sleep quality worsened from one night to the next, there was a major decrease in “helping choices,” such as volunteering or holding a door open for a stranger.

Charitable donations dropped with a single hour of sleep loss

The third part of the study looked at how sleep loss affects generosity on a larger scale. The researchers analyzed data from over 3 million charitable donations made in the U.S. They focused on donations during the transition to daylight saving time in spring each year.

During the spring time change, we lose an hour of sleep. Interestingly, researchers found a 10% drop in donations in regions that change their clocks. This drop wasn’t seen in regions that don’t observe the time change.

They suggest that insufficient sleep triggered by the time change impacts donation behavior.

Conclusion

Together, these three studies suggest that sleep loss influences our empathy, generosity, and desire to help each other.

The researchers liken sleep deprivation to an infection given how it impacts our daily interactions with others. But perhaps getting enough, quality sleep could improve our compassion and kindness.

Medical review by Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Sleep loss affects generosity, desire to help others appeared first on Sleep Education.

Migraines can lead to sleep problems. People with migraines may have trouble falling or staying asleep. Some treatments for migraines affect the sleep cycle and may need to be adjusted for optimal sleep.

There’s also evidence that disrupted sleep can trigger migraines. Common sleep disorders that may keep you from getting enough quality sleep each night include obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. Sleep disorders, a lack of sleep, or changes in your sleep cycle may trigger migraines. Getting enough quality sleep could help prevent a migraine attack.

People with migraines may get less quality sleep

A 2021 study published in Neurology found that adults and children with migraines may get less quality, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time compared to people who don’t have migraines.

The meta-analysis included 32 studies involving more than 10,000 people. The researchers analyzed recent studies to better understand how migraines affect people’s sleep and the severity of their headaches.

According to the analysis, adults with migraines rated their sleep quality more poorly than people without migraines. When researchers looked at the results of overnight sleep lab tests, they discovered that adults and kids had less REM sleep compared to people without migraines.

REM sleep is the stage of sleep when your brain activity increases. It’s during this stage of sleep that you dream. REM sleep is critical for learning and memory consolidation.

The study also found that children with migraines experienced more sleep disruptions but fell asleep more quickly than their healthy peers. This suggests that these kids may fall asleep more quickly because they may be sleep-deprived.

Similarly, a 2005 study exploring the relationship between sleep and headaches found that more than half of people with migraines had trouble falling and/or staying asleep at least occasionally. 71% of study participants reported having headaches that woke them up from sleep.

In this study sample, 38% of people reported sleeping less than 6 hours per night. These participants had more severe headaches.

While there is still more to be learned about the relationship between sleep and migraines, these studies emphasize that sleep and migraines are linked. Improving your sleep may reduce or prevent migraines. To improve your sleep, follow these tips.

Medical review by Andrea Matsumura, MD

Related:

• Tension Headaches, Naps and Insomnia

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Improved sleep may help curb migraine attacks appeared first on Sleep Education.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory loss and cognitive abilities.

Alzheimer’s affects memory, thinking, and behavioral patterns. It is a degenerative brain disease that typically worsens over time if not treated accordingly. More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Getting quality, deep sleep and the recommended amount of sleep each night may be protective against the development of various types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.

How sleep detoxes the brain

Recent research suggests that during deep sleep, the brain removes toxins associated with Alzheimer’s.

The development of Alzheimer’s has been linked to increased levels of proteins in the brain. Research suggests that the buildup of these proteins contributes to cognitive decline.

A study published in the journal Science revealed that cerebrospinal fluid carries these waste products away from the brain during deep sleep, acting as a guard to cognitive function.

This video shows the waves of fluid that flow into the brain during sleep to “deep clean” these harmful proteins.

Sleep duration may play a role

There’s also mounting research to suggest that getting too little—or even too much—sleep could increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease

A report published in JAMA Neurology found that people who sleep less than six hours per night had elevated levels of the proteins that are considered markers for dementia such as Alzheimer’s.

Interestingly, the same study also reported that adults who slept more than nine hours per night also showed a decline in cognitive ability. Sleeping less than six hours or more than nine hours was also linked to more symptoms of depression and higher body mass index (BMI).

The AASM recommends that adults get seven or more hours of sleep per night. However, in young adults, 9-10 hours could be needed if there is sleep deprivation.

A lack of sleep may also play a role in Alzheimer’s.

In fact, a 2018 study found that just a single night of sleep deprivation increased the amount of Alzheimer’s-related toxins in the brain.

The relationship between sleep and Alzheimer’s is complex. These studies highlight the importance of deep, quality sleep in lowering the risk of cognitive decline. While there is still more research to be done, these recent findings suggest that prioritizing sleep may support brain health.

Medical review by Rafael J. Sepulveda MD, DABOM, and Reeba Mathew, MD, FCCP

Related:

• Short sleep linked to aging brain
• Sleep and growing older
• Acting out dreams linked to developing dementia

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Nightly “brain wash” protects against Alzheimer’s disease during sleep appeared first on Sleep Education.