HOUSTON \u2013 Most adults know they should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night. <\/p>\n
But doctors say regularly falling short of that recommendation could have serious long-term consequences for brain health.<\/p>\n
Experts at Memorial Hermann say growing research continues to show a strong connection between chronic sleep deprivation and cognitive decline, including an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
According to neurologist Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula, the body\u2019s ability to withstand sleep deprivation declines as people enter their 40s and 50s.<\/p>\n
\u201cSleep deprivation is something that is very individual,\u201d Tallavajhula said. \u201cThere are people who can get away with six hours of sleep and still do fine maybe. But others need their absolute eight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Doctors say poor sleep doesn\u2019t just affect memory and concentration. It can also become a major public safety concern.<\/p>\n
Drowsy driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes nationwide. Tallavajhula says roughly one in every 20 drivers on the road is struggling to stay awake behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
The long-term effects on the brain can be even more concerning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I talk to people who present a dementia-like syndrome who have been sleep deprived for years, you basically have to pay the bank back,\u201d Tallavajhula said. \u201cAll those hours of sleep deprivation, you have to pay them back.\u201d<\/p>\n
She warns that prolonged sleep deprivation can eventually lead to the loss of brain cells, which cannot be replaced. However, some cognitive functions can be recovered if sleep problems are addressed early.<\/p>\n
The good news is that experts say the brain can heal from sleep deprivation, although recovery may take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem.<\/p>\n
For people struggling with sleep disorders, doctors encourage seeking professional help rather than trying to manage the issue alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cSleep therapy is actually a very robust way of intervention where you can actually talk through what their issues are with sleep and train their brain to fall asleep again,\u201d Tallavajhula said.<\/p>\n
Specialists also note there are treatment options available for a variety of sleep disorders, including narcolepsy and chronic insomnia.<\/p>\n
If you have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s disease, doctors say protecting your sleep should be considered an important part of maintaining long-term brain health.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a host of options now for treatment for narcolepsy,\u201d Tallavajhula said. \u201cDepending on your sleep problem, there are many options that can be done. You just have to seek attention.\u201d<\/p>\n
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