Do you find yourself wishing you could get more sleep at night? Perhaps you have a busy lifestyle or a condition like insomnia that prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. In either case, sleep and the brain are directly related to each other, so the quality of sleep you get every night can impact your cognitive function.
If you’re asking, “Why is sleep important for maintaining brain health?” our professionals at Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. can help. Our guide below explains what you should know about sleep and its impact on the cognitive aging process.
Why Is Sleep Important to Brain Health?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 39% of adults aged 45 to 64 experienced insufficient sleep in 2022, but why does sleep matter?
A lack of sleep is a serious problem because people naturally require rest to regulate nearly every cell within their body. The brain regulates the body’s circadian rhythms, and sleep disturbances can increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Research supports the hypothesis that the amount and quality of sleep a person gets could increase their risk for certain conditions, such as dementia. A study mentioned in the National Institutes of Health suggests that people in their 50s and 60s who get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep at night are 30% more likely to get a dementia diagnosis.
Insomnia and other sleep disorders have connections with cognitive impairment. Daytime sleepiness can lead to problems with communication, thinking, and memory.
Unfortunately, insomnia is relatively common. According to the American Medical Association, 1 in 10 people experience chronic insomnia, which lasts for several nights a week for three months or longer.
How Different Stages of Sleep Impact Cognitive Function and Learning
The stages of sleep and the brain’s functions change throughout the night. The brain undergoes several stages during sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages. REM sleep is the stage where dreaming occurs, so the body undergoes mild paralysis to prevent it from acting out the dream.
During REM sleep, the limbic structures within the brain, which are involved in emotional regulation and memory, are active. Areas in the frontal brain systems responsible for analytic thinking are less active during that sleep stage.
REM sleep is essential for maintaining memories and performing other cognitive functions. On the other hand, the slow wave stage of NREM sleep helps enhance motor skill learning.
The Short-Term and Long-Term Cognitive Impacts of Poor Sleep Quality
Different chemicals in the brain become active and inactive during the various stages of sleep. Poor sleep quality could involve sleeping for too short a time or experiencing fragmented sleep.
Without sufficient sleep and rest, the brain struggles to function correctly. Without enough time to recuperate, the brain’s neurons overexert themselves, resulting in reduced performance in various types of thinking.
These issues between sleep and the brain can trigger several short-term cognitive impairments, including:
- Reduced adaptability: You may struggle to adapt and thrive in uncertain situations due to a rigid mindset.
- Impaired judgement: The likelihood of taking significant risks increases when you don’t get enough sleep. Sleep provides enough time for your brain to process and consolidate emotional memory.
- Poor attention span: When you’re too tired, you may notice issues with your attention span. The brain needs sufficient rest to maintain good thinking and reaction times, as well as the ability to follow instructions.
If you have chronic insomnia, you risk developing a long-term condition associated with cognitive decline. For instance, a lack of good-quality sleep could affect your brain’s memory consolidation.
You need REM sleep to enhance your procedural memory, and non-REM sleep to improve declarative memory.
A study in the National Institutes of Health reports that beta-amyloid, a waste byproduct in the brain, is connected to Alzheimer’s disease and impaired brain function. Sleep is essential for clearing out beta-amyloid buildups. As such, failing to sleep well every night can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Tips for Improving Your Sleep Quality
The good news about sleep and brain health is that you can implement good rest habits to prevent your brain from losing its cognitive functioning. To improve your sleep hygiene, try implementing these tips:
- Create a restful atmosphere: Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool with minimal distractions.
- Follow a nighttime schedule: Consistent habits help regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
- Take naps infrequently: Keeping naps under 20 minutes helps you fall asleep at night.
Partner With the Top Neurologist in NYC To Improve Your Sleep and Brain Health
Our team at Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. can provide the help and guidance you need, whether you’re dealing with a sleep disorder, concerns about neurological disorders, or something similar. With us, you can receive personalized treatments from a top neurologist in NYC who specializes in sleep and the brain.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To confirm your specific plan is accepted, please call our office or email us to verify your coverage before scheduling your appointment.
Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. at (347) 602-9530 to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Uncover more details about sleep and brain health with our answers to common questions on the topic.
How Much Sleep Do I Need?
The amount of sleep you need changes as you age. Infants typically sleep 16 to 18 hours a day for growth and development, while adults require only seven to nine hours of sleep nightly.
What Disorders Can Cause Sleep Disruptions?
Insomnia, or the inability to go to sleep and stay asleep, is a common sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea can also disrupt your sleep by causing your throat to narrow, which in turn pauses your breathing.
Why Is the Connection Between Sleep and the Brain Important?
Sleep has several connections to the brain, affecting cognitive health, functioning, and memory. Getting a good night’s sleep helps improve problem-solving skills, attention spans, and decision-making skills.
How Does Sleep Impact Memory Consolidation?
Sleep has a direct influence on memory consolidation by allowing the brain to replace and reorganize memories within the neocortex and hippocampus.
