Sleep analysis

Longer Naps⁤ Linked to Doubled dementia Risk in Women, New Study Finds

PARIS ⁣ – Women who experience increased daytime sleepiness ⁣and ⁤take longer, more frequent naps face nearly double the risk of developing dementia, according to research ⁤published today in ‍the journal neurology. The five-year study, tracking sleep-wake patterns in older women, ⁤reveals ⁤a significant correlation‌ between changes in sleep habits and cognitive decline, offering a perhaps simple new method for ‍early dementia risk assessment.

Researchers analyzed 24-hour sleep-wake activity data from​ a cohort of older women, finding that average nap duration increased by 33.1 minutes, with total sleep time rising by 18.7 minutes. However, sleep efficiency decreased by 6% across the group. Notably, 21.3% of participants reported “a sharp⁢ increase in the duration and quality of sleep” both during ⁢the day⁣ and at night, while 44% maintained stable sleep patterns.

The study revealed that 22.4% of the volunteers‍ developed mild cognitive impairment‍ (MCI) ⁤and 12.7% were​ diagnosed with dementia. Women whose daytime sleepiness increased ​- especially⁢ those with extended and frequent naps – were almost twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with stable sleep habits.⁤ Reduced “quality sleep” time and increased insomnia were also associated with heightened dementia risk.

While the ‌research doesn’t establish a causal link – whether sleep problems contribute to dementia or vice versa – it highlights‌ the potential of 24-hour sleep-wake activity monitoring as a readily accessible⁣ tool for identifying individuals at ⁤risk.

Dementia is a growing global health crisis, affecting an estimated 57 million people worldwide in 2021, according​ to the World Health Association (OMS). Approximately 10⁢ million new cases are⁤ diagnosed annually, making it the seventh leading cause⁣ of death and a major contributor to disability and dependency among the elderly. These findings suggest that monitoring sleep patterns could facilitate earlier intervention and improved care for those at risk.