Could Sleeping Too Much Be an Early Warning Sign of Alzheimer’s?

A new US study suggests that consistently sleeping for long periods may be associated with early biological changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. Researchers stress, however, that the findings do not prove that excessive sleep causes Alzheimer’s, but rather that it may serve as an early warning sign in some people.

The research, conducted by UT Health San Antonio and published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, analyzed health data from 2,410 participants in the long-running Framingham Heart Study, whose average age was 70 years.

Longer Sleep Linked to Alzheimer’s Biomarker

Researchers compared participants’ usual sleep duration with blood biomarkers associated with brain health.

They found that people who regularly slept between 8.5 and 9 hours per night had higher levels of phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181), a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Participants who slept 10 hours or more showed even higher levels of the biomarker.

According to the researchers, the association remained even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, depression, sleep apnea, and genetic risk.

Sleep and Brain Health Are Closely Connected

Experts say sleep plays a vital role in maintaining brain health. Poor-quality sleep or insufficient sleep has previously been linked to the buildup of amyloid-beta, another protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study also notes that excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged sleep may reflect early changes in the brain before noticeable memory problems develop.

Study Does Not Prove Cause and Effect

The researchers emphasized that the findings show an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

They said it is possible that the need for longer sleep is itself an early symptom of changes occurring in the brain rather than a cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

Medical experts note that occasionally sleeping longer because of illness, fatigue, or stress is generally not a cause for concern.

However, they recommend that older adults who consistently sleep nine to ten hours or more without an obvious reason discuss the change with a healthcare professional, particularly if it is accompanied by memory or cognitive concerns.

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