A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, reveals that the duration of sleep and bedtime may impact the risk of dementia.
Conducted by researchers from China, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, the study indicates that sleeping for more than eight hours increases the risk of dementia by 69%, while going to bed before 9 p.m., as opposed to 10 p.m. or later, doubles the risk of dementia.
The study suggests that monitoring cognitive function is crucial for older adults reporting extended time in bed and advanced sleep timing, particularly in males aged 60 to 74.
Lead author Dr. Rui Liu from Shandong University’s Shandong Provincial Hospital in Jinan, China, proposes that future research may explore whether reducing time in bed and delaying sleep timing could slow cognitive decline and delay dementia onset in older adults.
During an average 3.7-year follow-up period, 97 participants out of 2,000 older adults in China were diagnosed with dementia.
The study emphasizes the need to bridge the knowledge gap by focusing on rural-dwelling older Chinese adults in western Shandong Province, noting differences in sleep patterns and dementia development compared to Western populations due to socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and lifestyle factors.
However, caution is advised in interpreting the results, given self-reported sleep characteristics, lack of data on factors like sleep apnea, and a relatively short follow-up period.
The study concludes with sleep hygiene tips, such as
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
- Creating a conducive bedroom environment,
- Avoiding electronic devices,
- Refraining from large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime, and
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
