Impact of sleep Disorders and Disturbed sleep on Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

This statement from the American Heart Association explores how sleep disorders and disturbances affect brain health, linking issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and fragmented sleep to conditions such as stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. sleep regulates processes like memory consolidation, waste removal, and vascular health. Poor sleep disrupts these functions, increasing risks of neurodegeneration. Treatments like CPAP for sleep apnea show promise, but broader, long-term studies are needed. The statement emphasizes optimizing sleep as a preventative measure to protect cognitive health and improve recovery from brain injuries like stroke.

Prioritize regular sleep habits, aiming for 7–8 hours of quality sleep nightly to promote memory, waste clearance, and vascular health. Address sleep disorders like sleep apnea through professional treatment (e.g., CPAP). While evidence supports the benefits of improved sleep, consult a healthcare provider for tailored interventions. Consistency in sleep routines is critical for long-term brain health and may mitigate risks of dementia or stroke.