A sleep medicine physician shares his top tips for a better night’s rest. Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that impacts millions of families around the world. But scientists are still trying to pinpoint the elements that go into why some people develop Alzheimer’s disease and others don’t. Now, a new study suggests that your sleep patterns may play a role. The study, which was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, specifically looked at the relationship between REM sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. But what’s the link between the two, and, more importantly, how can you use this information to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease? Poor sleep quality has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease,” says W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast. Conversely, individuals who sleep well and consistently get sufficient amounts of sleep on a regular schedule appear to reduce their risk of cognitive impairment. While the researchers concluded that more studies are needed, they also said a slower movement to REM sleep could serve as a “potential marker” for Alzheimer’s disease. Given that good sleep is linked to good overall health, it can’t hurt to try to improve your sleep.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Thursday, March 12, 2026