Need another topic for worry during those painful, sleepless nights? According to a recent study led by neurology professor, Yo-El Ju, MD, MD, the dreaded, degenerative disorder known as Alzheimer's disease could be one of them! In April, Ju unveils her team's completed publication at an American Academy of Neurology conference but the professor says some early findings reveal interesting parallels between sleeplessness and the onset of Alzheimer's.
The study consisted of 100 patients, half with a family history of Alzheimer's. Scientists monitored the participants' sleep patterns for two weeks, tracking a specific protein often seen in patients with pre-clinical Alzheimer's - amyloid plaques. The accumulation of amyloid plaques is closely associated with the disorder's development. The test participants in this initial group ranged from ages 45 to 80.
The study's preliminary findings revealed that two specific groups showed a proclivity for the onset of Alzheimer's. Those groups were people who woke up five times or more an hour and those that slept less than 85 percent during their overall time in bed. Sadly, those both sound like me.
What this means for me
For families like mine, with a medical history of chronic insomnia, this is serious medical news. Perhaps this study's findings would disturb me less if a cure for the disease existed or at the very least, a comprehensive management program. The fact that I'm on the study's cusp, at the young of 44, with a long history of sleep problems, troubles me as well.
Twenty-five years ago, my grandmother received her diagnosis. An avid gardener and piano player, just ten years later she passed away from complications associated with Alzheimer's disease. Despite having a full, loving life, losing her gradually to this cruel disease took a toll on my family. I can't help but wonder if better sleep health would have made a difference.
Today, I'm currently under a doctor's care for my insomnia. I exercise regularly; I usually walk a mile a day. I have changed my diet and even my bed in search of a good night's sleep. Before seeking help from the family doctor I tried natural supplements, sleep machines, even prayer. The prayer helped but I'm still praying for better sleep! After a decade of searching for a non-prescription cure, I finally acquiesced to my physician's suggestion and began taking a sleep medication.
Reading this study makes me feel less guilty about taking my medicine and proves how serious getting quality sleep is. Walking around zombified with bleary eyes and a sticky brain isn't the only reason to sleep at night. My life could depend on it.
