Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that impacts millions of families around the world. But scientists are still trying to pinpoint the elements that go into why some people develop Alzheimer’s disease and others don’t. Now, a new study suggests that your sleep patterns may play a role.
The study, which was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia on January 27, specifically looked at the relationship between REM sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. But what’s the link between the two and, more importantly, how can you use this information to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease? A neurologist explains.
For the study, researchers looked at how long it took 123 people to reach rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for the first time after falling asleep, as well as several biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s disease. (REM sleep is a stage of sleep where your eyes move quickly and you dream, per the Cleveland Clinic. It’s important for learning and memory, too.)
