Chronic Insomnia Linked to โฃIncreased Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases, New Digital โTherapies Offer Hope
ROME – Long-term sleep deprivation may substantially elevate the risk ofโ developing neurodegenerative diseases, according to research โhighlighted by Dr.โฃ Valerioโ Brunetti, a neurologist at โthe Sleep โMedicine โคCenter at the Gemelli โคUniversity Hospital in Rome. This finding underscores the critical importance of addressing chronic insomnia, a conditionโ affecting approximatelyโ 20% of the Italian population.While the link between poor sleepโ and neurological decline has been suspected, emerging data strengthensโค theโ case forโ prioritizing sleep health as a preventative measure.
The growing โขconcern stems from the โคwidespread prevalence of chronic โinsomnia and its potential long-term consequences. Untreated, persistentโค sleep loss isn’t merely a discomfort; it appears to โคbe a contributing โfactor to the development of โขserious neurological conditions. However, access to effective treatments has historically been limited. Now, innovative digital therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered through โmobile applications, are expanding the reach of care and offering โฃa potential solution for a larger population.
Symptoms and Behaviors โคtoโฃ Avoid
Chronic insomnia manifests differentlyโข in individuals, but common symptoms include โฃdifficulty falling asleep, โคfrequent awakenings during the night, and waking up feeling unrested. Beyond these core issues, sufferers โฃoften experience daytime fatigue,โข difficulty concentrating, irritability, and increased susceptibilityโฃ to accidents.
Certain behaviors can exacerbate insomnia. These include irregular sleep schedules, consuming caffeine or alcohol close โขto โbedtime, excessive screen time before sleep, and engaging in strenuous exercise in the โฃevening. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, creating a relaxing โขsleep environment, and limiting exposure to stimulating activities before bed are crucial steps toward improving sleep quality.
New โTherapiesโ on the Horizon
Recognizing the need for broaderโฃ access to treatment, platformsโค like TikTok are begining to incorporateโฃ wellness resources. The “Time and Wellness” section within โthe app provides tools designed toโ promoteโค relaxation, โincluding positive affirmation diaries, sound generators, breathing exercises, and adviceโ from sleep experts.โ
Dr. Brunetti โคemphasizes theโค potential of digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to revolutionize insomnia treatment. “The possibility of following โa digital form of cognitive-behavioral therapy,with the use of new applications,could allow us to reach a โขmuch larger segment of the population,” he stated. CBT focuses on identifying โฃand changingโฃ negative thoughts and behaviors that โคcontribute to sleep problems, offering a non-pharmacological approach to long-term relief.