Study Links Reduced Deep Sleep, REM to Alzheimer’s Brain Changes

A recent study has found that spending less time in key sleep phases, such as deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, could be linked to brain changes commonly observed in Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s, an age-related condition that impairs memory, thinking, and speech, is known to affect certain regions of the brain. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, highlights how reduced time spent in these vital sleep stages may correlate with the atrophy of brain regions that are typically damaged in Alzheimer’s patients.

The study examined the four stages of sleep, focusing on the significance of REM and deep sleep. REM sleep is characterized by increased brain activity, vivid dreaming, and rapid eye movements, while deep sleep is associated with critical restorative processes. The findings suggest that individuals who experience shorter durations in these stages tend to have smaller volumes in the brain areas most impacted by Alzheimer’s.

This research emphasizes the potential importance of sleep quality and its role in brain health, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative conditions. Experts suggest that improving sleep patterns could be a key area for further research in the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s disease.