If you’re a chronic insomniac, you may be facing more than just sleepless nights; research indicates that you might experience a faster decline in memory and thinking skills compared to those who enjoy better sleep. In essence, your brain could age at a quicker rate. A recent study published in the journal Neurology has unveiled that individuals suffering from chronic insomnia—characterized as having difficulty sleeping at least three days a week for a period of three months or longer—are significantly more inclined to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia compared to their healthier counterparts.
Diego Carvalho, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and co-author of the study, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of insomnia. “Insomnia doesn’t just affect how you feel the next day—it may also impact your brain health over time,” he stated in an announcement from the American Academy of Neurology. “We observed a more rapid decline in thinking skills and brain changes that suggest chronic insomnia could serve as an early warning sign or even a contributor to future cognitive issues.”
While the researchers do not definitively conclude that insomnia causes brain aging, they highlight a significant association. The study tracked over 2,500 cognitively healthy participants with an average age of 70 for approximately 5.6 years. Notably, 16% of these individuals reported experiencing chronic insomnia. Alarmingly, 14% of those with chronic insomnia developed mild cognitive impairment or dementia during the study, compared to only 10% of participants without insomnia. After adjusting for factors such as high blood pressure, the use of sleep medications, age, and a diagnosis of sleep apnea, the findings revealed that participants suffering from insomnia had a 40% greater risk of developing cognitive impairments. This risk equates to a cognitive decline similar to aging an additional 3.5 years.
The cognitive test performances of participants with insomnia also showed a more rapid decline. Those who reported less sleep than usual in the two weeks prior to the study were more likely to score lower on cognitive tests, reflecting a cognitive age equivalent to being four years older. Moreover, these individuals exhibited more white matter hyperintensities—potentially damaged brain tissue associated with small vessel disease—and amyloid plaques, proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The accumulation of these plaques resembled that found in individuals with a known genetic predisposition to dementia.
Carvalho noted, “Our results suggest that insomnia may impact the brain in various ways, involving not only amyloid plaques but also small vessels supplying blood to the brain.” He reiterated the necessity of treating chronic insomnia, stating that it is crucial not only for enhancing sleep quality but also for potentially protecting brain health as we age. This adds to a growing body of evidence illustrating that sleep is not merely a time for rest; it’s essential for maintaining brain resilience.
Participants who reported getting more sleep than usual in the two weeks leading up to the study had a higher likelihood of presenting with fewer white matter hyperintensities at the study's onset. While the researchers acknowledge that their findings are limited—primarily due to insomnia diagnoses being derived from medical records that do not detail symptom severity or account for undiagnosed cases—the underlying message remains clear: prioritize getting enough sleep. If achieving adequate rest proves challenging, seeking help is essential.
