Daytime Sleepiness in Older Adults May Double Dementia Risk, Study Finds
Have you noticed yourself feeling sleepier during the day, especially as you get older? Well, it turns out that this might be more than just a sign of aging or a busy schedule. A new study suggests that increasing daytime sleepiness in older women could be linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand—no medical degree required!
What’s the Connection Between Sleepiness and Dementia?
Researchers from the American Academy of Neurology followed 733 women in their 80s over five years to study how changes in sleep patterns might affect their cognitive health. The results? Women who experienced worsening daytime sleepiness had double the risk of developing dementia compared to those with stable sleep patterns.
Now, before you panic, the study doesn’t prove that daytime sleepiness causes dementia. Instead, it highlights a strong link between the two. As Dr. Yue Leng, the study’s lead author, explains, “Sleep is essential for cognitive health. It helps the brain rest and recharge, which is crucial for clear thinking and memory.”
How Did the Study Work?
The participants, all around 83 years old and free of cognitive issues at the start, wore wrist devices to track their sleep and circadian rhythms (your body’s internal clock) for three days at the beginning and end of the study. Over five years, researchers noticed significant changes in their sleep patterns:
- 44% had stable or slightly improved sleep.
- 35% experienced declining nighttime sleep (poorer quality and shorter duration).
- 21% had increasing daytime sleepiness (more napping and longer sleep durations).
Here’s the kicker: those in the “increasing sleepiness” group were twice as likely to develop dementia compared to the “stable sleep” group.
Why Does This Matter?
This study is a big deal because it shows how sleep patterns can change dramatically in just five years for women in their 80s. It also suggests that these changes could serve as an early warning sign for dementia. As Dr. Leng puts it, “Sleep problems may be intertwined with cognitive aging and could be a marker or risk factor for dementia.”
What Are the Limitations?
While the findings are fascinating, there’s a catch. The study primarily included white women, so the results might not apply to more diverse populations. More research is needed to understand how these sleep changes affect different groups.
What Can You Do?
If you or a loved one is experiencing increasing daytime sleepiness, it’s worth paying attention to. While this study doesn’t offer specific prevention tips, maintaining good sleep hygiene—like sticking to a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment—can’t hurt. And, of course, talking to a healthcare provider is always a good idea.
The Bottom Line
Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s a cornerstone of brain health. This study reminds us that changes in sleep patterns, especially as we age, could be a red flag for cognitive decline. So, if you’re feeling sleepier during the day, it might be worth digging deeper. After all, a well-rested brain is a
What do you think about these findings? Have you noticed changes in your sleep patterns as you’ve gotten older? Let’s chat in the comments!
Reference:
“Five-Year Changes in 24-Hour Sleep-Wake Activity and Dementia Risk in Oldest Old Women” by Sasha Milton et al., published in Neurology, March 19, 2025. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000213403
Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging.
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