Lack of night sleep can cause brain atrophy

Researchers warn, older people get less sleep, their brains get worse and deteriorate faster.

>>>Lack of sleep can make you "brainwashed"

Experts from Duke-NUS Graduate School of Medicine in Singapore conducted research on 66 older people, using magnetic resonance scanning (MRI) technology as well as sleep surveys. Specifically, the volunteers were measured brain volume and checked and evaluated neurological-psychological functions every 2 years. In addition, their sleep time is recorded through questionnaires.

Results revealed, people who slept less showed evidence of faster ventricular brain enlargement and cognitive degradation . "Our findings have linked less sleep to signs of brain aging," said Dr. June Lo, head of the study.

The amount of sleep each day greatly influences each person's physical and mental health.(Artwork: Getty Images)

According to the study authors, their work, which relates to Singapore's rapidly aging society, will pave the way for future research on sleep deprivation and its increased impact on Brain degradation, including dementia. They hope in the coming years to determine what is good for cardiovascular metabolism and long-term health of the brain.

Earlier this week, researchers at the University of Warwick (UK) recommended that excessive sleep in middle age can cause the same harm as lack of sleep. The study of nearly 9,000 people aged 50 to 64 years found that those who slept less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours a night had worse memory and the ability to make poorer decisions. However, the strength of the brain only decreases for older people (65-89 years) if they sleep too much.

Experts agree that sleep duration affects our bodies and minds and that the necessary hours of sleep vary according to our age. Professor Francesco Cappuccio, co-author of research at the University of Warwick, stressed that proper sleep in the elderly can even prevent brain degradation, a cause of dementia. in the elderly.

According to many studies, 7 hours / day is the optimal sleep duration, good for the physical and mental health of an adult, helping to prevent obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sudden death. stroke and even brain atrophy.