A new study has revealed a strong connection between REM sleep and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The four stages of sleep
Sleep is divided into four stages: three phases of non-REM sleep and one REM phase.
During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and essential cognitive functions take place.
What is REM sleep?
REM sleep is the stage where dreaming occurs, and brain activity closely resembles that of a waking state. It plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and learning.
When does REM sleep begin?
On average, the first REM phase starts about 90 minutes after falling asleep. Initially, it lasts for only 5–10 minutes but extends as the night progresses.
Researchers studied 128 participants
The study monitored the sleep patterns of 128 individuals in a controlled hospital setting to examine the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease.
More than 193 minutes could be a warning sign
Participants who took longer than 193 minutes to enter REM sleep showed signs of brain changes commonly associated with Alzheimer’s.
Buildup in the brain
Scientists also measured beta-amyloid protein levels in participants’ brains, a substance known to accumulate abnormally in Alzheimer’s patients.
Study conducted by US and Chinese researchers
The research was carried out by an international team and was published in the scientific journal Alzheimer’s Association.
The importance of REM sleep needs further study
Yue Leng, one of the study’s leading researchers, believes that future studies should investigate how medications influence sleep patterns and their role in Alzheimer’s development.
Sleep problems as an early sign of Alzheimer’s
The findings suggest that disturbances in REM sleep could be one of the earliest warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially appearing years before cognitive decline.
REM sleep monitoring could aid early diagnosis
Researchers hope that tracking REM sleep patterns may one day become a valuable tool for identifying individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer’s at an early stage.
This article is based on information from B.T.