Going to bed and waking up at similar times is linked to a lower risk of dementia
What the study found
Researchers studied 82,391 British adults aged 43 to 79. Participants wore a wrist device for one week to track their sleep. They were then followed for about eight years. People with more regular sleep schedules had about a 26% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia than those whose sleep schedules varied a lot. Sleeping less than 7 hours was linked to a slightly higher risk. Having regular sleep times seemed especially helpful for people who slept too little or too much.
What this means in practice
Besides getting enough hours of sleep, it is worth keeping a regular routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day, including weekends. If you snore heavily, wake up feeling tired, or often have trouble sleeping, talk to a doctor. Avoiding screens and caffeine close to bedtime may also help you keep a regular sleep routine.
Study limitations
This was an observational study, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Sleep was measured for only one week. Also, people in the UK Biobank study tend to be healthier than the general population.
Important notice: Mais Anos summarizes scientific studies for information only. It is not medical advice, does not diagnose and promises no cure. Always talk to your doctor before changing treatments or habits.
