A new study suggests that people who have trouble sleeping now could be at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's later.
"It could imply that people should try and sleep better and that may decrease or slow the progression of illness such as Alzheimer's Disease," said Dr. Joseph Hanna.
Dr. Hanna is the Chair of the Neurology Department at MetroHealth. He does not discount the study, but he said only one hundred people were studied and for only 14 days.
The study claims that waking up more than five times an hour puts you at increased risk at building up the plaque in your brain that could lead to Alzheimer's. But Dr. Hanna's advice is to not start worrying about this just yet.
"That would probably make them sleep even worse to worry about it," said Dr. Hanna. "My gut is, no I would not worry if I'm not sleeping well that I would develop Alzheimer's because that would just intensify any sleeping problems."
If you have a family history of Alzheimer's or even if you don't it is important to take full advantage of the benefits of sleep.
"You should look at ways to improve your sleep, such as daily exercise, relaxation techniques and normal eating habits."
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