Sleep, Alzheimer’s, and the Goldie Locks Effect

Sleep, Alzheimer’s, and the Goldie Locks Effect

Too much or not enough sleep can lead to greater cognitive decline, a new study finds. Finding the “sweet spot” seems to be the key for optimal cognitive function.

In a multiyear study, researchers found that both short and long sleepers experienced greater cognitive decline than people who slept a moderate amount, even when the effects of early Alzheimer’s disease were considered.

100 older adults slept with a monitor strapped to their foreheads for most nights. Researchers found 7.5 hours of sleep seemed to be the “sweet spot” to preserve the brain and offset Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was done at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Lucey, Brendan P., et al. “Sleep and longitudinal cognitive performance in preclinical and early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.” Brain (2021).

Source: doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab272

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