Research Reveals What the Sleep “Sweet Spot” Can Do to the Brain

(Newswire.net — July 7, 2022) Orlando, FL — Scientists have long been carrying out studies to look into the impacts of sleep on the brain. Time and again it has been found that sleep benefits brain health in various ways.

One study was carried out by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

In this multi-year research of older adults, it has been found that both short and long sleepers experienced higher cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount. This has remained true even when the impacts of early Alzheimer’s disease were taken into account. 

Previous research studies have long revealed the link in between poor sleep and Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The investigators in this recent research tracked cognitive function in a large group of older adults over several years.

They analyzed it against levels of Alzheimer’s-related proteins and measures of brain activity during sleep. They also generated crucial data that aid in untangling the complicated relationship between sleep, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive function. 

The findings, which were published in the journal called Brain, could aid in the efforts to help keep people’s minds sharp as they age.

“It’s been challenging to determine how sleep and different stages of Alzheimer’s disease are related, but that’s what you need to know to start designing interventions,” said first author Brendan Lucey, MD.

Lucey is an associate professor of neurology and director of the Washington University Sleep Medicine Center. 

“Our study suggests that there is a middle range, or ‘sweet spot,’ for total sleep time where cognitive performance was stable over time.”

It is worth stressing that short and long sleep times were linked with worse cognitive performance. This is probably due to insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality. It is also important to note that poor sleep is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s,

Health authorities warn that Alzheimer’s is actually the main cause of the cognitive decline in older adults. It also contributes to around 70 percent of dementia cases.

There have been many studies carried out in the past that looked into the impacts of sleep on brain health. It is worth keeping in mind that today, there are many people who struggle with sleep health issues.

Experts strongly recommend resorting to some measures helpful in improving sleep quality and quantity. There are all-natural remedies like the medicinal mushroom-like lion’s mane that may be helpful. 

Its use has been found to work wonders in enhancing sleep. What makes it all the more beneficial is that it also has sleep health benefits.

(amazon.com/Organic-Lions-Mane-Mushroom-Capsules/dp/B07LGR1KN7).