Study Warns of the Risks of Fragmented Sleep on Memory

A recent scientific study conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has revealed that a lack of sleep or long-term sleep disturbances accelerate brain aging and increase the risk of cognitive decline with age, making the brains of people suffering from insomnia appear significantly older than their actual age.

The research focused in particular on systemic inflammation as one of the main drivers of this damage. Sleep deprivation triggers harmful immune responses that attack neural tissues and speed up the biological aging of cells.

According to a report published by the British newspaper The Independent, the findings were based on an analysis of sleep patterns and MRI scans of more than 27,000 British adults aged between 40 and 70. The study identified clear structural changes in the frontal and temporal lobes—areas responsible for memory, attention, and decision-making.

Scientists explained that these changes result from dysfunction of the brain’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for repairing the brain and clearing it of toxic proteins such as beta-amyloid. These proteins accumulate during waking hours and are considered a major contributor to dementia.

Experts emphasized that improving sleep quality is a vital safeguard for protecting the nervous system. Each improvement in sleep habits could reduce the gap between brain age and chronological age by up to six months, helping to prevent premature aging and neurodegeneration.