Women in their 80s who experience increasing drowsiness throughout the day are more than twice as likely to acquire dementia. This is according to a new study that compared women with sleeping issues to those with normal sleeping cycles. The researchers monitored 733 women with an average age of 82.5 years. Most of the participants were white, and none indicated any signs of cognitive impairment at the outset of the study. Let’s take a deeper look into the study about inadequate sleep and dementia risk in women.
The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
All of the women were part of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Their sleep and daily activity patterns were observed over five years using special wristband devices. During follow-up visits, researchers administered a series of neuropsychological tests to assess the participants’ cognitive health. The woman were divided into three different groups based on how their sleeping habits changed. There were 321 women in the “stable sleep” group, 256 women in the “declining nighttime sleep” group, and 156 women in the “increasing sleepiness during the day” group.
At the end of the trial, 22% of the women had developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with 13% progressing to dementia. The biggest red flag was that the participants of the study were progressively drowsy throughout the day. After adjusting for age, previous health conditions, and genetic risk, the participants were found to be more than twice as likely to develop dementia. The researchers identified certain sleep issues that were warning signs, such as constantly waking up after falling asleep and longer daytime naps. Every one of these issues was associated with a doubling of dementia risk. Interestingly, changes in circadian rhythms (the body’s internal clock) didn’t appear to impact dementia risk in women.
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What The Results Mean
It still remains unknown if poor sleep increases dementia risk in women or if early dementia disturbs sleep. According to co-investigator Dr. Yue Leng of the University of California, San Francisco, both hypotheses could be correct. According to the study’s accompanying editorial, focusing on healthier sleep habits may help minimize the development of dementia in older individuals. These habits include improving sleep efficiency, making healthy lifestyle adjustments, and engaging in brain-boosting activities.
There were some limitations to the study on sleep and dementia risk in women, though. The findings of the study are based primarily on elderly white women. Therefore, they may not apply to more diverse groups. Furthermore, the trial lasted five years and monitored both sleep and cognition, Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether sleep abnormalities caused dementia or were an early indicator of it. There was also no analysis of markers that would demonstrate dementia. Additionally, because this was an observational study, researchers cannot definitively state that a lack of sleep increases dementia risk in women.
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Sleep and Dementia Risk in Women
While there may still be uncertainties and limitations regarding the study, improving your sleep quality is always a good idea. There are several ways that you can improve your quality of sleep. These include sticking to a consistent routine and creating a relaxing atmosphere before bedtime. You should also avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages at least four to six hours before you go to bed. Make your bedroom a comfy little sleep haven – dark and quiet, with a supportive mattress and pillows. If you struggle to sleep, try a few calming activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, or listening to relaxing music. Going to bed at the same time every night will help regulate your circadian rhythms and make falling asleep easier every night.
The relationship between sleep disorders and dementia in older women is still being investigated. However, this study emphasizes the need to prioritize sleep health, particularly in later life. It is also unknown whether interrupted sleep is a cause or an early indication of cognitive decline. Yet, one thing is certain: adequate rest is vital for your general well-being. Women who have good sleep habits may be better prepared to protect their cognitive health as they age. Making sleep a priority is more than just feeling refreshed; it could be crucial for the maintenance of your memory and mental acuity in the years to come.
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