Sleeping More Than 8.5 Hours Every Night? It Might Indicate Brain Changes and Early Alzheimer's Risk: Study

Most people believe that getting more sleep is always good for their health. While good-quality sleep is essential for the brain, a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, suggests that regularly sleeping more than 8.5 hours each night may sometimes be an early sign of changes linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers found that older adults who regularly slept for longer had higher levels of a protein called p-tau181 in their blood. This protein is considered an important marker of Alzheimer's disease. However, experts stress that the findings show a link, not proof that sleeping longer causes Alzheimer's.

What Did The Researchers Find

The researchers analysed health data from more than 2,400 older adults. They compared the participants' usual sleep duration with blood levels of p-tau181, a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The results showed that people who regularly slept between 8.5 and 9 hours or more tended to have higher levels of this protein. The association became even stronger among those sleeping for more than 10 hours each night.

The researchers believe that prolonged sleep may be an early behavioural sign of changes taking place in the brain rather than the reason those changes occur.

Does Sleeping Longer Cause Alzheimer's?

No. The study does not prove that sleeping for longer causes Alzheimer's disease.

Experts believe it is possible that early brain changes linked to Alzheimer's may make some people feel sleepier or increase their need for sleep long before memory problems become obvious.

In other words, excessive sleep could be an early symptom rather than the cause of the disease. More research is needed to understand this relationship fully.

Importance of Sleep For Brain Health

During sleep, the brain carries out many important functions. It processes memories, repairs cells and removes waste products that build up during the day.

Poor-quality sleep has already been linked to several health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline. Researchers are continuing to investigate how both too little and too much sleep may affect long-term brain health.

When To Be Concerned

Occasionally sleeping for nine or more hours after illness, travel or a few late nights is usually nothing to worry about.

However, if you suddenly begin needing much more sleep than usual without a clear reason, or if prolonged sleep is accompanied by memory problems, confusion or difficulty carrying out daily activities, it is worth discussing these changes with your doctor.

Long sleep can also be linked to conditions such as depression, sleep apnoea, certain medications or other medical problems that may need treatment.

Final Word

While this research suggests that sleeping for more than 8.5 hours each night may be indicative of Alzheimer's, this does not mean that extra sleep causes Alzheimer's disease. Instead, prolonged sleep may be one of the early signs of changes occurring in the brain. If you notice a persistent increase in your sleep needs or develop memory concerns, it is best to seek medical advice rather than ignore the symptoms.