A recent study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden revealed that sleep disturbances not only cause physical fatigue but may also accelerate brain aging and affect its vital functions.
According to the study published in the journal Epimedium, the brains of people with poor sleep quality appeared older in MRI scans than their actual age, at a rate of more than six months for every decrease in sleep quality.
The study included more than 27,000 British participants between the ages of 40 and 70, and their sleep was assessed according to five factors: circadian rhythm, sleep duration, insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness.
The results showed that the brains of those classified as " poor sleepers " appeared, on average, one year older than their actual ages.
Researchers attribute this phenomenon to increased levels of inflammation resulting from lack of sleep, which can lead to damage to blood vessels, the accumulation of harmful proteins, and accelerated nerve cell death.
Disturbed sleep also impairs the brain's detoxification system , exacerbating the buildup of harmful substances.
"Premature brain aging can be prevented by improving sleep habits and ensuring adequate, healthy sleep," said study leader Abigail Dove.
She added that lack of sleep "not only affects the brain, but its effects may extend to the heart and blood vessels, which in turn affects blood circulation in the brain as well."
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