Sleep deprivation may enhance Alzheimer''s risk
28/09/2009
Chronic sleep deprivation could increase the chance of developing Alzheimer''s, research has shown.
Regular insomnia sufferers may benefit from investing in a new mattress to combat their susceptibility to Alzheimer''s brain plaques, according to scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.
Researchers found that the protein orexin that helps to regulate the sleep cycle could also be directly linked to the development of brain plaques, which were found to occur more regularly in those suffering from sleep deprivation.
Chair of the department of neurology at the school David Holtzman said: "The results also suggest that we may need to prioritise treating sleep disorders not only for their many acute effects but also for potential long-term impacts on brain health."
He also suggests that treatment using a drug to block orexin receptors could decrease deposits of plaque in the brain.
Earlier this month, researchers from the Rutgers University pinpointed the memory mechanism during sleep that helps to facilitate retention and learning.
