Dementia is a significant mental health illness that typically affects people in their 60s and older. Dementia’s early symptoms are hazy and faint, making it difficult to identify and generally going untreated until later in life. Dementia has no recognized cause. Several variables, ranging from your lifestyle to your dietary habits, may raise your chance of acquiring this ailment later in life. The list of dementia causes is lengthy, and now researchers have added another element to the mix.
According to a new study on dementia risk factors conducted by a group of academics, the way you sleep in middle age may raise your chance of developing dementia later in life by 30%.
The number of hours you sleep at night in your middle age, according to a study lead by Doctor Séverine Sabia of Inserm and University College London, may raise your chance of acquiring the mental health issue later in life. The study looked at how sleep habits from earlier in life may influence the incidence of dementia decades later. The researchers looked at data from roughly 8,000 persons in the UK starting at the age of 50 for the study. They quizzed them on a variety of topics, including how many hours they slept every night in their forties. At the end of the study, it was discovered that 521 of the 521 participants had dementia, with an average age of 77.
People who obtain six or less hours of sleep per night have a higher chance of acquiring dementia later in life, according to the study. When compared to individuals who slept for seven to eight hours per night, they were 30% more likely to acquire dementia.
This isn’t the first time that research has connected sleep patterns to a higher risk of dementia. Several research conducted in the past to learn more about dementia have emphasized the need of sleeping for 8-9 hours for improved mental and physical health.
Inadequate sleep, sleeplessness, insomnia, and sleeping longer than usual can all be harmful to your health in different ways. Obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all possible outcomes. It also has an impact on your mental health, making you irritable, moody, and increasing your chance of dementia. Even during Alzheimer’s therapy, it is recommended to improve sleep quality in order to control the disease, which clearly demonstrates the necessity of a good night’s sleep. Sleeping for 7 to 8 hours every night refreshes our minds, energizes our bodies, and ensures that our systems run smoothly. It can help you focus better and reduce your chances of developing chronic illnesses.
The signs and symptoms of dementia appear earlier in life. And if you can notice them early enough, you can simply postpone them and handle the issue. So, keep an eye out for the following subtle indicators of dementia:
- Problems with memory
- Confusion is increasing
- Concentration is lower
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Apathy, withdrawal, and depression are all symptoms of depression
- Loss of capacity to do routine chores
