Get More Sleep

According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, poor sleep patterns can be an early detection sign for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have identified a correlation between poor sleep and the biological markers found in spinal fluid, which indicate Alzheimer’s disease. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep can lead to a buildup of Amyloid plaque in the spinal fluid, this plaque is commonly found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined 101 participants with an overall average age of 63, who were all considered at risk for Alzheimer’s.  All participants were surveyed on sleep and either had a parent with the disease or were carriers of the gene for the disease, all participants provided spinal fluid samples as well. The study revealed that those who revealed more sleep related issues also displayed the most indicators for Alzheimer’s disease within their spinal fluid.

Sleep plays a role in clearing out the Amyloid plaque from the brain thus, reducing its contribution to the development of Alzheimer’s. For individuals already affected by the disease, it is suspected that lack of sleep contributes to the deceleration of memory loss. In other words, lack of sleep can help worsen the severity and rate of memory loss within individuals with Alzheimer’s. On the contrary good sleeping patterns may help decrease the likeliness of developing the disease or at the minim slow down its progression rate. There is undoubtedly, still more research required to truly come up with a definite answer on the relationship between sleep patterns and Alzheimer’s disease however, this study is a good start.

Schedule it

Nonetheless, the possibility for decreased risk for Alzheimer’s in conjunction with the various already proven benefits of good sleep, should be enough to encourage all to practice better sleep patterns. As practicing good sleep ( 7-9 hrs daily), helps reduce risk of cancer, stress, and inflammation which can all lead to increased deterioration as we age. Increased sleep can also help you lose weight, remember more, and stay more alert. Consider installing a solid sleep schedule into your daily routine and observe any benefits to you energy and overall life.

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