Scientific studies are not necessary to know that little or not enough sleep is harming us, but they can help us better understand the magnitude of the problems that lack of sleep causes us. And best of all, it helps us sleep better. One of these studies is now explaining to us that these consequences of insomnia can be long-lasting and affect our abilities as we reach old age.

What does the study say?
The new analysis points to an association between more severe cases of insomnia in middle-aged people and cognitive problems as they reach retirement age. Cognitive impairments noted by the team responsible for the analysis are memory problems, concentration problems, and problems in learning capacity. These symptoms were milder in participants whose insomnia improved over time.

That’s what researchers are looking at.
Article in the journal Journal of Aging and Health It provides detailed information about this study, which was conducted in Finland and included more than 3,700 participants (mostly women). At first, these participants were surveyed about their sleep problems and then (after 15 to 17 years) they were given a second follow-up survey. Since studies on the effects of prolonged insomnia are not plentiful, it is precisely this long range that the study emphasizes by the authors.

As always, be careful with the results.
Several factors should be considered before drawing conclusions. The first, explains Tea Lallukka, co-author of the study, takes only subjective measures of cognitive abilities, that is, those declared by participants through a questionnaire. Subjective estimates are valid and commonly used in this type of study, but they may differ from other forms of objective measurement.

The second factor to consider is that the study measures a correlation between sleep and cognitive abilities, but a causal relationship is not guaranteed. Regarding this aspect, only in the second questionnaire the participants were asked about their cognitive abilities.

What can we learn from this study?
Even with its limitations, the study can help us better understand how our minds age. Identifying insomnia problems can help prevent its worst consequences. In this context, Lallukka points out that possible interventions need to be evaluated to confirm whether improving sleep in middle-aged people has a positive effect as they reach old age.

The weight of insomnia.
The news that insomnia is related to problems when it comes to functionality in our daily lives is not surprising. We know that not sleeping affects our body and mind. There are already many studies investigating the effects of insomnia on us. And it seems that we are sleeping worse and worse, or as evidenced by the gradual increase in consumption of drugs to treat it in Spain, which has already far exceeded the per capita consumption of the rest of the world.

Goal: sleep better.
Sometimes insomnia problems can be so significant that we see a healthcare professional. However, there are drug-free ways to improve the quality (and quantity) of sleep each day. So, for example, maintaining regular sleep, making sure our environment is conducive, and being mindful of substances such as caffeine or alcohol are common tips.

Image | Zoe Gayah Jonker