Most people are familiar with the feeling of being tired and unable to concentrate after a poor night's sleep, but the consequences can extend far beyond the following day.
According to Parade, sleep is an important process during which the brain processes the day's experiences and removes waste products that accumulate throughout the day.
As a result, insufficient sleep can affect both memory and concentration.
Research published in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience also shows that long-term sleep deprivation may increase the levels of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Also read: 40 people tried peppermint oil – and their blood pressure dropped significantly
Quality matters
It is not only the amount of sleep that matters. Sleep quality also plays a significant role.
A study published in the journal Sleep found that people who frequently wake up during the night have a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Interrupted sleep can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, which is important for maintaining hormonal balance and supporting the immune system.
A common cause of poor sleep is sleep apnea.
Also read: New pancreatic cancer pill delivers hope for patients
The condition can be treated, and treatment may improve both sleep quality and overall health.
Recommended number of hours
Dementia cannot always be prevented, but researchers believe that sleep is one factor that individuals can influence.
According to Parade, sleep specialist Joshua Roland points out that seven to eight hours of sleep per night is best for long-term brain health.
Sleeping less than seven hours is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Surprisingly, the same is true for sleeping more than nine hours.
Also read: Cancer symptoms many people overlook in everyday life
Sources: Parade, Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, and Sleep.
Also read: Arthritis drug could become a new treatment for patients with depression