In the meantime, we shall attempt to determine whether sleep is a factor in dementia or if it is a myth in this blog. We’ll also talk about how to get more sleep, which will undoubtedly improve your general health even if it doesn’t lower your chance of dementia. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us as we embark on a trip to unravel the mystery of dementia and sleep.
Understanding Dementia
There is more than one type of dementia. It is a collection of brain disorders that impair memory, cognition, and even basic decision-making. Alzheimer’s disease is the most well recognized type of dementia. Dementia patients may:
- Forget dates or people’s names.
- Become disoriented or perplexed in familiar locations
- Have trouble keeping up with discussions
- Experiencing mood swings or acting strangely
Although dementia is not a typical aspect of aging, it primarily affects older persons. Some people may have no memory issues at all for a very long time. For this reason, researchers are putting a lot of effort into figuring out what makes people more susceptible to dementia. According to certain research, those who take sleeping drugs on a daily basis especially for months or years may be more susceptible to dementia. However, science is still evolving.
Is Dementia Caused By Sleep Disorders?
Understanding what dementia is necessary before comprehending the connection between sleep and dementia risk. One of the most prevalent forms of brain disease, it primarily affects the elderly. However, individuals under 40 are now also beginning to be impacted by this illness. The early onset of dementia in younger individuals has led some to associate it with sleep disturbances. Is it true, though? Those who have trouble going asleep or have short sleep duration may be more susceptible to dementia, according to one of the long-term studies. Not just this research, but also recent studies on sleep and dementia provide similar findings.
Why Could The Brain Have Issues With Sleeping Pills?
Consult your physician if you use zolpidem, eszopiclone, or another sleep medication and you’re worried about dementia. They can assist you in finding safer alternatives to help you rest and in gradually lowering your dosage. Doctors believe that sleeping drugs may be linked to memory issues for a number of reasons.
- 1. Alterations in Brain Chemistry
Sleep aids alter brain chemistry, particularly GABA, which is crucial for mood, sleep, and other processes. Too many changes to those substances could cause the brain to cease functioning as it should. - 2. Risk of Falls
You’re more prone to tumble if you wake up feeling lightheaded or disoriented. Particularly in elderly adults, head injuries can raise the risk of dementia. - 3. Hidden Signs of Dementia
For memory problems, anxiety, or confusion—all of which may be early indicators of dementia people may begin taking sleep aids. - 4. Sleep Disorders
You may get more sleep, but it won’t be better. Some sleeping drugs don’t promote deep sleep, which is when your brain heals itself.
Note: We should all adopt healthy sleep habits since studies show that middle-aged people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to develop dementia.
