The Devastating Cognitive Effects of Sleep Deprivation

It is common knowledge that sleep has a huge impact on day-to-day quality of life. After a good night’s rest, you are likely to be energetic and positive, and not getting enough sleep can cause irritability and slowed reflexes. However, most people give little thought to the long-term consequences of sleep deprivation in Melbourne. Let’s talk about how regularly not getting enough sleep can negatively affect the brain’s function as you age.

Sleep Deprivation and Dementia

A study published back in 2017 documented how sleep deprivation affects lab mice. The researchers discovered that after being kept awake for a prolonged period of time, the mice’s brain activity was similar to that found in Alzheimer’s patients. A separate study found that veterans with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, were 30 percent more likely to develop dementia than those without such issues.

Of course, all of this does not necessarily mean that sleep deprivation causes dementia. Scientists are still striving to understand most brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, the correlation between sleep problems and cognitive decline can certainly serve as yet another reason to get enough sleep.

Sleep Deprivation and Parkinson’s

Research from 2017 discovered that 80 percent of people with REM sleep disorder eventually suffer from neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s. Other research indicates that more than 75 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease report sleep-related symptoms. And some people with Parkinson’s begin to suffer from sleep disturbances even before their condition manifests itself in movement symptoms.

Again, such studies do not necessarily indicate a causative relationship, but they do highlight the strong link between the brain and quality of sleep.

Sleep Deprivation and Mood

Most people acknowledge that they feel a bit more irritable than usual after a restless night. However, that is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the link between emotions and lack of sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation is closely linked to depression and anxiety. In fact, in a study that involved 10,000 adults, it was found that individuals with insomnia were five times more likely to develop depression and 20 times more likely to experience anxiety.

What You Can Do

If you have been struggling to get the sleep you need, you should not dismiss the problem as a minor inconvenience. Your brain’s long-term health could be at risk! Taking steps to get more sleep — for example, by setting up a regular nighttime routine for yourself — may protect your mind from serious conditions. You should also not hesitate to seek help from a qualified sleep doctor if you suspect you have a disorder that is interfering with the quality of your rest.

Meet the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a dentist who specializes in providing oral appliance therapy for individuals with sleep apnea in Melbourne. He places a great value on his patients’ daily quality of life and long-term health. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, he would be happy to discuss your symptoms and help you arrange for necessary testing. Contact our office at 321-313-5350.