Could your bedtime habits be harming your brain? A new Swedish study suggests that poor sleep may make your brain age faster.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute analyzed sleep data and brain scans from over 27,000 adults. They found that people with bad sleep had brains that looked up to one year older than their actual age. “For every drop in sleep quality, the brain aged about six months,” the study revealed.
The researchers tracked five key factors — sleep length, snoring, insomnia, daytime fatigue, and whether someone is a night owl or early riser. Those with healthy sleep habits showed the youngest brain profiles, while poor sleepers faced higher risks of cognitive decline and dementia.
But experts say it’s not too late to improve. “Good sleep habits can be learned,” said co-author Abigail Dove. Her advice: avoid caffeine and screens before bed, and keep your bedroom quiet and dark.
Your brain needs rest as much as your body. Sleep well — your future self depends on it.
