The Link Between Daytime Sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know

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Daytime sleep is a common habit among many elderly individuals, but recent studies have shown a link between daytime sleeping and Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, some studies suggest that increased daytime sleep could be a sign of Alzheimer’s development and may even worsen the symptoms of this disease.

A 14-year study, involving 1,401 elderly participants, was conducted by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Center at the University of California, San Francisco and published in the “JAMA Neurology” journal in 2020. This study showed that although older adults tend to sleep more during the day, those with Alzheimer’s tend to double the amount of daytime sleep compared to healthy individuals. This is not just a change in sleep patterns but is closely related to cognitive decline after a year. People with excessive daytime sleep may experience memory issues, and a reduced ability to reason and process information.

One point to note is that while daytime sleep is not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, individuals who sleep excessively during the day may be facing an increased risk of cognitive issues. According to a 2019 study involving 2,751 elderly participants, conducted by Harvard Medical School and published in the Neurology Journal, those who slept for more than 120 minutes per day were found to have a 66% higher risk of developing cognitive issues within 12 years compared to those who slept less than 30 minutes each day.

“Short naps, less than 30 minutes, may benefit brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.” – Study by Harvard Medical School, published in Neurology Journal in 2021

However, not all daytime sleep is detrimental. Short naps, less than 30 minutes, can benefit brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. A 2021 study, involving 389 elderly participants, conducted by Harvard University and published in the Sleep Journal, found that short naps helped reduce the risk of cognitive decline over the next 5 years. These short naps not only help the body recover but also support mental clarity.

So how can we identify and adjust daytime sleep habits appropriately? Research from the Alzheimer’s Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco published in 2020 suggests that excessive daytime sleep can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease if accompanied by other symptoms like memory loss and forgetfulness. Furthermore, individuals with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty maintaining nighttime sleep. Experts recommend limiting daytime sleep, maximizing wakefulness during the day, and ensuring regular nighttime sleep for those at high risk of Alzheimer’s. This approach can help improve sleep quality and minimize disease symptoms.

However, if someone feels excessively fatigued throughout the day or feels the need to sleep more during a prolonged period, they should consult a doctor. Fatigue could be a sign of another health issue or a side effect from medications.

Finally, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress effectively. Studies also show that engaging in brain-stimulating activities such as reading, playing chess, or doing puzzles may help slow cognitive decline.