New research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has revealed that lower proportions of specific sleep stages are associated with reduced brain volume in certain regions that are vulnerable to the development of Alzheimer’s disease over time.
This article discusses the new study as well as some of the causes for lost slumber, primarily snoring, and looks at a few anti-snore interventions.
Table of Contents
Investigating sleep architecture and brain health
The paper describes how those with lower amounts of time spent in slow wave (SWS) sleep, also called deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep had smaller volumes in their critical brain regions. In particular, the inferior parietal region, which has been shown to undergo early structural changes in Alzheimer’s disease, which affects an estimated 6.7 million Americans and is projected to double by 2060.
SWS is considered to be the most restorative stage of slumber and is characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency brain wave oscillations seen in EEG monitoring. REM is characterized by rapid eye movements behind the closed eyelids, increased brain activity, breathing, and heart rate. REM is believed to play crucial roles in learning and memory consolidation, and it is the stage where most dreaming occurs.
“Our findings provide preliminary evidence that reduced neuroactivity during sleep may contribute to brain atrophy, thereby potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said lead author Gawon Cho, who has a doctorate in public health and is a postdoctoral associate at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. “These results are particularly significant because they help characterize how sleep deficiency, a prevalent disturbance among middle-aged and older adults, may relate to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and cognitive impairment.”
This study analyzed data from over 270 participants with a median age of 61 years old who did not have a history of stroke, probable dementia, or other brain pathology. Polysomnography techniques were utilized to assess baseline sleep architecture, and advanced imaging techniques were used to measure participant brain volumes 13 to 17 years later.
Although the researchers emphasize that more investigation is required to fully understand the causal relationship, they believe that the study demonstrates an important association between sleep architecture and long-term brain health, as well as highlights potential opportunities to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Reasons for lost sleep
There are many reasons why people don’t get enough time in snooze town, such as lifestyle factors like irregular schedules, poor habits, stress/anxiety, and substance use, as well as underlying medical conditions or mental health issues. However, snoring is arguably the most common cause of lack of slumber. From gentle snuffles to loud rasps and snorts, around 45% of adults snore occasionally, and 25% snore regularly.
That means that around 90 million Americans have reported snoring at some point, and 50 million snore on a regular basis. According to the National Sleep Foundation, snoring is more common among men, with about 60% of men reporting snoring compared to 40% of women. Snoring also changes with age; it tends to increase, affecting close to 70% of those who are over the age of 60 years old.
Among those sharing a bed with a snorer, 77% report compromised well-being, 44% struggle with daytime fatigue, and 33% experience mood disturbances. Poor rest takes a toll on nearly every aspect of life—mood, focus, energy, productivity, and long-term health. What was once dismissed as just an inconvenience is now recognized as a serious health and relationship crisis—one that demands an effective, lasting solution.
An estimated 1 in 3 people now track their sleep, demonstrating a growing awareness of how important sleep is.
Anti-snore AI-powered Pillow
Recently, Behrouz Hariri, co-founder and CEO of Smart Nora, contacted us to speak about the revolutionary snoring relief with AI-powered detection that was originally developed to solve one family’s woes, to go on to help over 100,000 couples reclaim their slumber.
“Snoring is the number one enemy of restful sleep, but we have learned to normalize it out of desperation!” says Hariri. “The problem has never been a lack of awareness, but a lack of solutions that are both effective and comfortable. Solving snoring has always been a compromise. We’ve changed that with a solution that works without wearing something on your face or in your mouth. People are finally recognizing the real consequences of snoring, and we are setting our sights on an even more ambitious goal.”
The contact-free technology transforms any pillow into a smart anti-snoring pillow that adapts to your patterns. When the AI-powered learning technology predicts snoring is about to start, Smart Nora gently adjusts the pillow position using an inflatable insert to stimulate the throat muscles to restore normal breathing, which is done so silently it will not disturb the user or partner.
“Snoring breaks sleep into shorter chunks, disrupting the natural sleep cycles critical for emotional balance, memory, and physical recovery,” says Hariri. “This isn’t just about noise – it’s about the fundamental human need for continuous, restorative sleep.”
Anti-snore AI-powered Beds
Pillows are not the only anti-snore tech, now there are also smart beds. Beds have come a long way, and some have developed to include anti-snoring technology. For example, the Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart bed base pairs with a sleep tracking app to monitor your slumber time and helps combat snoring. When the base detects snoring, it will automatically adjust its position. The system learns from your real-time sleep data, breath rate, snoring patterns, bedroom conditions, and more to help you improve your wellness and provide you with personalized tips and insights.
While smart beds can be pricey, other adjustable beds without AI-powered innovation operate with the touch of a button, such as Ghostbed, and Nectar Adjustables, to help you eliminate snoring and rest better.
Other methods to combat snoring
If you are trying to combat snoring, you can try sleeping on your side, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed, and ensure that your nasal passages are clear before you go to bed.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can contribute to snoring. Losing even a small amount of weight can improve snoring.
- Elevate Your Head: Elevating the head of your bed can help improve airflow and reduce snoring.
- Humidifier: Use a humidifier to keep the air in your bedroom moist, which can help prevent nasal congestion.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can worsen nasal congestion and contribute to snoring.
- Change Your Position: Sleeping on your side can help keep your airways open, reducing snoring.
- Tennis Ball Trick: If you tend to roll onto your back, sew a tennis ball to the back of your pajamas to discourage back sleeping.
- Body Pillow: Use a body pillow to help you stay on your side throughout the night.
- Clear Nasal Passages: If you have allergies or sinus problems, treat them to reduce nasal congestion, which can worsen snoring.
- Nasal Strips: Nasal strips can help open up nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose.
- Saline Rinses: Use saline rinses to clear nasal passages and reduce congestion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in your throat, making snoring more likely. Avoid these substances, especially before bedtime.
Anti-Snoring Products
- Mouthguards: Anti-snoring mouthguards can help keep your airway open during sleep.
- Nasal Dilators: Nasal dilators can help open up nasal passages and improve airflow.
- Chin Straps: Chin straps can help keep your mouth closed during sleep.
Summary
Sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including cognitive function, metabolism regulation, weight management, immune function support, cell repair and growth, mental health, and healthy aging. Getting enough quality sleep can improve overall well-being, reduce health risks, and enhance daily functioning.
It is important to note that if your snoring is severe or disruptive, consult with a doctor to rule out underlying conditions like sleep apnea. This may involve one or more sleep studies. Additionally, some people need to use a CPAP machine to get the sleep they need. If your physician recommends a CPAP, you must follow their instructions and guidance to receive the best possible care and treatment. However, if you feel it is not working, contact your physician for a follow-up.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
This article was written by TJW at the WHN News Desk
https://aasm.org/study-sleep-stages-brain-changes-alzheimers-disease/
http://dx.doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.11630
https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13016
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/snoring
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/when-your-partner-snores-no-one-sleeps
