Improved sleep consolidation may help protect cognitive function.
Improved sleep consolidation may help protect cognitive function.
The Relationship Between Sleep and Cognitive Function
Data from five population studies suggest that better sleep may help protect cognitive function in adults. Image credit: ismagilov/Getty Images.
A new analysis looking at data from five population-based studies delved deeper into the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea, lack of sufficient sleep, and cognitive function. The analysis found that preventing obstructive sleep apnea, when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, as well as better sleep consolidation, was linked to better cognitive function in the participants. On the other hand, shorter sleep duration was linked with impaired attention and other cognitive issues.
In adults without dementia, sleep consolidation and the absence of obstructive sleep apnea could be important for optimizing cognition with aging, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers looked at data from five population-based studies across the United States with at least 5 years of follow-up. They analyzed sleep studies specific to sleep consolidation and sleep apnea and their association with the risk of dementia and related cognitive and brain function. The study included 5,945 adults without any history or presence of stroke or dementia.
The researchers found that better sleep consolidation and the absence of obstructive sleep apnea are associated with higher cognitive function, and short sleep duration was associated with poorer attention and processing speed. Consolidated sleep refers to sleep that is continuous and uninterrupted by night awakenings. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by episodes of airway collapse, which can decrease oxygen levels and result in fragmented and nonrestorative sleep.
What does this sleep study teach us?
The researchers also found that better sleep consolidation and the absence of sleep apnea were associated with better cognition over the 5-year follow-up. This suggests that more research on interventions’ role in improving consolidated sleep to maintain cognitive function is needed.
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Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist and pain management specialist, noted an interesting finding in this study. Despite the common assumption that a reduction in slow-wave, deep sleep would be more detrimental to cognition, the study did not find a significant association between cognitive decline and specific sleep stages. Dr. Williams emphasized the need for further exploration into the factors influencing cognition over time.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition where breathing stops and restarts multiple times while a person is asleep. It affects 25-30% of men and 9-17% of women, with prevalence increasing with age. This sleep disorder can lead to poor quality sleep, trouble concentrating, and problems with decision-making and memory.
Signs of sleep apnea include snoring, daytime sleepiness, pauses in breathing, problems with memory and concentration, moodiness and irritability, frequent nighttime urination, morning headaches, and dry mouth. Furthermore, research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea is linked to other health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
To reduce sleep apnea symptoms, Dr. Laura DeCesaris, a functional medicine doctor and health and wellness coach, recommends lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. She also suggests managing stress effectively, paying attention to sleep posture (side sleeping may help with symptoms), modifying the diet to reduce chronic inflammation in the gut and nasal passages, regular exercise, and ensuring proper hydration. Using a humidifier in the bedroom, especially in dry climates, can also improve sleep quality.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of sleep consolidation and the absence of obstructive sleep apnea for maintaining cognitive function in adults. It provides valuable insights into the relationship between sleep and cognition, emphasizing the need for further research and interventions to promote better sleep and preserve cognitive health. By understanding the impact of quality sleep on cognition, individuals can take proactive steps to optimize their sleep patterns and ultimately enhance their overall well-being.
