We all know how important it is to get good sleep. Not only can poor sleep make you feel tired and confused under normal circumstances, but inadequate sleep has been thought to be a risk factor for many diseases and conditions, including dementia. Whether insufficient sleep increases the risk of dementia or dementia causes poor sleep, it’s clear there is a link between sleep and dementia.
How Does Poor Sleep Affect the Risk of Dementia?
Every day, your body goes through its 24-hour sleep cycle. This cycle helps you stay active during the day and feel sleepy and restful at nighttime. However, many things can alter your sleep-wake cycle. When this happens, unusual, disruptive sleep patterns can ensue. This includes patterns such as being alert and awake at night, along with difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, as well as napping and experiencing drowsiness throughout the day.
The most common sleep and dementia link with these kinds of sleep problems is Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep-wake cycle disorders are also common in Parkinson’s disease. The current theory is that the amyloid protein, a protein that builds up in Alzheimer’s disease, could be the thing disrupting the sleep-wake cycle.
Raised amyloid levels are not only connected with poor sleep quality, but also with problems storing memories while you sleep. Some research suggests poor sleep may impair the brain’s ability to remove amyloid protein, which is one reason why improving sleep quality may help delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it could also be that other changes to the brain cause the changes to the sleep-wake cycle. More research is needed to fully understand the connection.
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is the sleep phase where we dream, and most of our muscles are meant to be relaxed. For some people, muscle control during REM is disrupted, and they may move or speak while dreaming. This condition is known as REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD).
Both Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are associated with RBD. Studies suggest it may even be an early sign of these conditions. That’s because the part of the brain responsible for muscle control during sleep is often among the first to be affected.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) refers to breathing difficulties during sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. While SDB can affect people of all ages, it is more common among older adults and those with obesity.
Some studies link SDB to a higher risk of memory and cognitive problems, while others find changes to brain structure without significant changes in thinking skills. These changes may stem from reduced oxygen flow or altered carbon dioxide levels during sleep. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are commonly used to treat sleep apnoea, but more research is needed to understand their effects in people with dementia.
How Is Poor Sleep Treated?
Typical adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep per night, though this can vary. Lifestyle changes are often the first approach to improving sleep. These include regular routines for sleeping and eating, daily exercise, and exposure to bright morning light.
Some medications, such as benzodiazepines, have been linked to increased dementia risk in certain studies, though findings remain mixed. Melatonin, however, has not been associated with a higher dementia risk and may support better sleep quality. Always speak with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
If you’re ready to learn more about dementia care—including permanent care, respite care, or short stays—please contact Videri today.
