Study Warns: Frequent Lie-Ins May Be Early Sign of Alzheimer's

Frequent oversleeping might be an initial sign of several serious illnesses such as Alzheimer's, suggests recent research.

Research findings indicate that individuals getting approximately seven hours of sleep are less prone to experiencing significant health problems.

Individuals who get more than seven hours of sleep are at an increased risk of experiencing cognitive decline along with developing heart disease. diabetes .

However, individuals who slept for less than seven hours were more prone to experiencing low mood, fatigue, along with diminished muscle and bone health.

Brain scans indicated that the brain regions associated with emotions seem smaller in individuals who get less sleep. Experts think this shrinkage might be linked to the depressed moods observed in such cases.

Specialists termed the discoveries as a 'game changer' in comprehending the link between sleep and well-being.

The research conducted at the University of Warwick examined sleep patterns involving almost half a million individuals aged between 38 and 73 years old.

The researchers indicate that for individuals who sleep excessively, this is probably a sign of an underlying condition rather than the reason behind it.

Earlier studies indicated that getting more than nine hours of sleep might signal the presence of Alzheimer's, a neurodegenerative disorder. However, researchers from Warwick suggest that consistently sleeping for over seven hours may also point towards this fatal illness.

Nevertheless, people who get less than seven hours of sleep think that the insufficient sleep is causing their health problems.

Experts express their optimism that these discoveries could enable early detection of diseases and swiftly offer treatment strategies for individuals struggling with sleep issues.

The subsequent phase of the study will involve monitoring alterations in sleep patterns as time progresses.

'This represents a significant change in our understanding of the connection between sleep and overall health,' states Professor Jianfeng Feng, a biologist and co-author of the study from Warwick University.

'Ultimately, our aim is to create an extensive sleep health profile throughout a person’s entire lifetime, offering practical recommendations for people at each phase.'