Islamabad( The COW News Digital)New research suggests that poor sleep quality can accelerate brain aging, leading to memory decline, reduced cognitive ability, and impaired decision-making.
The study, conducted on individuals aged 55 and above, revealed that those who consistently slept less had enlarged brain ventricles over time — a sign of reduced brain cells and neural loss. Scientists observed that inadequate sleep particularly affects the brain’s frontal, temporal, and parietal regions, areas linked with memory, processing speed, and reasoning.
Experts highlighted that poor sleep disrupts the brain’s natural cleaning system, known as the glymphatic system. This system works during sleep to clear out waste products such as amyloid-beta proteins, which are strongly linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. When sleep is consistently poor, these harmful proteins can build up, accelerating brain damage.
The findings also explain why older adults who experience reduced sleep are at greater risk of cognitive decline. While the research does not conclusively prove that poor sleep directly causes brain aging, it strongly identifies sleep disruption as a significant risk factor. Other health conditions — including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and depression — may also contribute to both poor sleep and declining cognitive health.
Researchers recommend prioritizing quality sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle, stressing that it is as important as diet and exercise in protecting the brain against premature aging and cognitive decline.
