My personal experience
I’ve had personal experience with this. My mother-in-law just recently retired (not of her own accord) at the age of 81. She had spent most of her life, and certainly her work life, staying up late at night, answering emails, and generally selling her insurance products. Part of the reason she has “let go” was working at home was a challenge during the pandemic. She forgot how to do basic things like how to answer emails, pay bills and use her cell phone. She has not been diagnosed yet, but it’s obvious she has symptoms of dementia. She can’t remember how to do the basic things she used to do all the time.
Sleep issues can result from sleep patterns starting in the 50’s and 60’s. It’s not just an “old-person” disease. According to the NIH, “…studies suggest that short sleep duration during midlife could increase the risk of developing dementia later life.”
What does this mean?
- People should work on their sleep habits when they are younger.
- Sleeping does more for your long-term health than previously thought.
- Sleep apnea can cause a whole host of health problems.
- Your sleep has an impact on brain health.
According to the same article by the NIH “…there are plenty of reasons why a good night’s sleep might be good for brain health.”
Poor sleep has been linked with Alzheimer’s disease as well. It has been linked with beta-amyloid plaques, which has been shown to lead to Alzheimer’s. Even one night of impaired sleep can result in beta-amyloid buildup.
Conclusion
Make time for proper sleep habits now. Having poor habits can have an impact on your future health in more ways than you know.
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