New Study Shows Importance of Sleep for Cognitive Health
Researchers have found that the amount of sleep you get may be just as important as exercise when it comes to maintaining cognitive health as you age. In a decade-long study, researchers followed nearly 9,000 adults over the age of 50 and found that those with more frequent, higher-intensity physical activity who slept less than six hours a night on average experienced faster cognitive decline compared to those who exercised less frequently. Lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg emphasized the importance of considering sleep and physical activity together for optimal cognitive health. The study was published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal.
The study also revealed that people who had higher levels of physical activity and slept between six and eight hours a night had better cognitive function as they aged. However, being less physically active and having poor sleep were independently associated with worse cognitive performance over time. The most physically active group in the study were younger, thinner, married or partnered, less likely to smoke or drink, and had higher levels of education and wealth compared to the least active group. However, even with these advantages, highly active individuals in their 50s and 60s who slept less than six hours a night experienced more rapid cognitive decline and had the same cognitive levels as those who didn’t exercise.
The findings suggest that regular physical activity may not always be sufficient to counter the long-term effects of lack of sleep on cognitive health. However, the benefits of exercise on the brain were maintained in physically active individuals over the age of 70, despite short sleep.
To improve sleep quality, experts recommend practicing good sleep hygiene, such as keeping the bedroom cool, avoiding exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bed, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. Additionally, relying on sleeping pills is not recommended, as they only mask the problem and can be addictive. For those experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders, seeking help from a sleep specialist is advised.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of considering both physical activity and sleep in order to maintain cognitive health as we age. Prioritizing sufficient sleep along with regular exercise can have significant benefits for brain function and overall well-being.