Sleep Your Way to a Healthier Brain: How REM Sleep Affects Alzheimer’s Risk

Ever wonder why a good night's sleep leaves you feeling refreshed and sharp? It turns out, it's not just about rest—it's about protecting your brain health too.

The Power of REM Sleep

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is the stage where dreaming occurs and memories are consolidated. Recent studies have found that delays in reaching REM sleep may be linked to higher levels of amyloid and tau proteins—hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease .

🧪 The Science Behind It

In a study involving 128 participants, those who took longer to enter REM sleep had:

• 16% more amyloid and 29% more tau proteins.

• 39% less brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for brain health .

These findings suggest that disrupted REM sleep could be an early indicator of Alzheimer's risk.

Tips for Better REM Sleep

To enhance your REM sleep and potentially reduce Alzheimer's risk:

• Treat sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

• Limit alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime.

• Consult your doctor about medications that may affect sleep patterns.

Remember, quality sleep isn't just about feeling rested—it's a vital component of long-term brain health.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/31/health/deep-rem-sleep-alzheimers-wellness