A recent study has found that poor sleep quality in early middle age may be associated with accelerated brain aging, marked by increased brain shrinkage. The study, led by Clémence Cavaillès from the University of California, San Francisco, utilized brain scans to measure brain aging among a cohort of 589 individuals with an average age of 40 at the start of the study.

Participants were surveyed about their sleep quality both at the beginning and five years into the study. Brain scans were conducted 15 years later, showing that those who reported poor sleep experienced nearly three additional years of brain aging compared to those with better sleep quality. Brain shrinkage, a common indicator of aging, was more pronounced in individuals with disrupted sleep patterns.

“Our study suggests a strong link between poor sleep and accelerated brain aging, underscoring the importance of good sleep hygiene even in early middle age,” said Cavaillès, whose findings were published in the journal Neurology. The research raises concerns about the long-term cognitive effects of sleep disturbances in middle-aged adults, as brain aging can impact memory, learning, and overall mental health.

Experts recommend prioritizing quality sleep to mitigate risks of accelerated brain aging and promote cognitive longevity.