A recent study indicated a link between long-term sleeplessness symptoms and subsequent cognitive impairment.

With a follow-up of 15-17 years, a study done at the University of Helsinki evaluated the development of insomnia symptoms in midlife and their implications on memory, learning ability, and focus after retirement. The study also discovered that when the sleeplessness symptoms lasted longer, memory problems, learning difficulties, and attention issues became more prevalent. Long-term insomnia symptoms, according to the experts, should be regarded as risk factors for impaired cognitive performance.

In addition, the study indicated that if insomnia symptoms improved with time, cognitive functioning was improved at retirement age compared to when the issues persisted. The regularity of the sleep rhythm, the proper warmth and brightness of the sleeping environment, and the perfect timing of physical activity, coffee consumption, and eating are all strategies to increase sleep quality.

Experts emphasized the need of more research to determine the impact of sleep-promoting methods and whether treating insomnia can also help to prevent the development of memory impairments. (Hindustan Times, May 29, 2022)