Can lack of sleep cause Dementia?

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Doctors said inadequate sleep can lead to a number of health concerns. A recent study revealed a possible link between lack of sleep and Dementia.

As part of our “Ask the Expert” series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis , 7NEWS spoke with a doctor about the research and ways you can decrease your risk.

A study on sleep cycles published in the journal Neurology found people with irregular sleep patterns may be at a higher risk for developing Dementia.

“Poor quality sleep clearly can increase your risk of like mind dysfunction and potentially more common diseases like Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, that kind of stuff,” said Dr. Ahmad Boota.

Doctor Boota has been treating patients for more than three decades. While significant research is still needed to link inadequate sleep and Dementia together, Boota said studies have shown a buildup of a toxic dementia-causing protein in those who sleep lighter and less.

“Clearly people who have sleep fragmentation, less deep sleep, [spend] less time asleep, they do have an increased risk of Amyloid building up,” Boota explained.

Experts recommend six to eight hours of adequate, uninterrupted shut-eye per night.

“I think the dimension of healthy sleep is very essential,” said Boota. “People need to understand that not just sleeping seven hours is enough. You need to have a good seven hours and good quality sleep. If you wake up constantly, tossing and turning, going into the bathroom; that is not a good quantity of sleep.”

During that time, doctors said we cycle through three stages: light sleep, deep sleep and REM sleep. While all of the sleep cycles are important for your health, Boota said REM sleep is especially vital for brain function.

“The REM sleep helps you to improve your memory and your cognition long term,” said Boota.

Doctors said adequate sleep is just as important for your health as diet and exercise. It can play a role in other aspects of your life too, such as alertness during the day and how you fight off illnesses.

“Adequate sleep, especially the duration in particular sleep six hours or more helps you support your immune system so you can fight infection and help you to be stronger,” said Boota.

To increase your chances of a good night’s sleep, doctors recommend creating a routine, eliminating distractions that stimulate your brain about an hour before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine.

Doctors said alcohol and other substances, like marijuana, are not healthy sleep aids. They may seem like a temporary fix, however, doctors said it affects your quality of sleep, which can be detrimental to your health long-term.

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