The exact number of hours sleep you need to reduce dementia risk
Having a poor sleep routine, or not sleeping enough can massively affect how we feel in the morning. But the amount of time we spend sleeping could also change our risk of developing dementia, according to research.
According to one study, there is a link between sleep duration in middle and old age to dementia. Published on PubMed, experts used data from 7,959 participants of the Whitehall II study who examined the association between sleep duration and incidence of dementia (521 diagnosed cases) using a 25-year follow-up.
The study revealed that there was a higher dementia risk associated with people who slept six hours or less at age 50 and 60, compared with a "normal" seven hour sleep duration, reports The Mirror.
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The experts explain: "Persistent short sleep duration at age 50, 60, and 70 compared to persistent normal sleep duration was also associated with a 30 per cent increased dementia risk independently of sociodemographic, behavioural, cardiometabolic, and mental health factors."
These findings suggest that the shorter your sleep duration in midlife is, the higher your risk is of late-onset dementia. According to Alzheimer's Society, there are normal signs of ageing as well as abnormal signs which could indicate dementia.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia is defined by a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms may be subtle to start with, but get worse over time and include:
confusion and needing help with daily tasks
problems with language and understanding
changes in behaviour
There's a difference in normal aging and early signs of dementia. But experts say the signs can vary from person to person. For example, you may lose track of the conversation from time to time, but if you are "regularly unable to follow what someone is saying even without distractions", this could be a sign of dementia.
If you become irritable when a routine is disrupted, but are able to cope with the change, this is seen as a normal reaction which is probably not dementia.
However, if you get upset either at home, work, or around friends and family in places you're usually comfortable or familiar with, this is another sign of the condition.
You can read more about what signs to look out for via Alzheimer's Society here. You can also get dementia support by calling 0333 150 3456.
If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis or a carer, trained staff are ready to give you the support you need. Opening hours:
Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm
Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm
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