Sleeping
According to the National Sleep Foundation, research suggests that there is a bi-directional relationship between sleep disturbance and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease increases fragmented sleep, and sleep problems contribute to changes in the brain that are associated with accelerated cognitive aging and dementia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which an individual has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or being satisfied with sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where airflow gets blocked from entering the body and breathing temporarily stops while sleeping. These obstructions can be caused by a variety of things such as large tonsils and excess fat around the neck. Symptoms may include sporadic breathing, snoring, morning headaches, and lack of energy.
Both insomnia and OSA may affect restful sleep and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease as well as overall health and well-being.
The National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides information on sleep conditions and behavioral strategies to promote sleep health.
