A study published in Neurology® on September 10, 2025, found that older adults with chronic insomnia may be more likely to experience memory problems and cognitive decline.
The study followed older adults who were cognitively healthy at the start. Over several years, participants completed regular tests that measured memory, attention, and other thinking skills. Over time, researchers found that people with chronic insomnia—having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least three days a week for three months or longer—tended to show faster declines in thinking skills.
“Sleep is essential for brain health,” said Diego Carvalho, MD, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and one of the study’s authors. “We found that people with chronic insomnia had more signs of brain aging, including changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.”
The study also showed that people who slept less than the recommended eight hours had lower scores on memory and cognitive tests—similar to scores seen in people four years older.
The researchers emphasize that the study does not prove that insomnia causes brain aging, it only shows a link. Still, the findings suggest that treating chronic insomnia may be important not just for better sleep, but also for better brain health.
Tips to Improve Your Sleep:
- Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine remains in your system up to six hours after drinking a beverage.
- Be cautious with sleep aids. Drugstore remedies often contain antihistamines, which can cause daytime drowsiness. Talk to your doctor about what might be right for you.
- Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t fall asleep, get up after about 15 to 20 minutes. Read or listen to relaxing music until you feel sleepy, then return to bed.
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