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More Sleep Could Aid in Avoiding Alzheimer's

PET scans showing the differences between a normal older adult's brain and the brain of an older adult afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

How many hours of sleep do you think you need a night? New research shows that you may want to err on the side of more, not less. Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley have found that high amounts of the chemical amyloid are linked with disrupted sleep patterns.  

We know in a variety of dementias there is a deterioration of sleep centers. If you get less sleep, it can make it worse and worse.

"Often times we’re not getting the best sleep schedule. We’re napping all day and not sleeping at night. That's a reversal of the sleep/wake pattern. It can be a spiral if you don’t aggressively address those elements," says Dr. Eric Dyken, professor of neurology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. "We know in a variety of dementias there is a deterioration of sleep centers. If you get less sleep, it can  make it worse and worse." 

Amyloid is a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. 

During this River to River he talks with host Ben Kieffer about the study and about why women get more sleep than men but report being more tired. Dyken also answers listener questions about sleep. 

Lindsey Moon is IPR's Senior Digital Producer
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River