If you have more vivid dreams then you’re at lower risk of developing dementia, say boffins
It found adults who had less rapid eye movement during sleep were at significantly higher risk of the disease
Having more vivid dreams protects against dementia, a study suggests.
Adults who had less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep — the stage in which dreams occur — were at significantly higher risk.
REM is the stage of slumber when dreaming occurs. It makes up around 20 per cent of an adult’s overall rest.
But U.S. scientists found just a one per cent drop in levels raised dementia risk by nine per cent.
Lead researcher Dr Matthew Pase, from the Boston University School of Medicine, said: “Different stages of sleep may differentially affect key features of Alzheimer’s disease. Our findings implicate REM sleep mechanisms as predictors of dementia.”
During REM, the eyes move rapidly and there is increased brain activity as well as higher body temperature, quicker pulse and faster breathing.
The study, in the journal Neurology, looked at 321 people with an average age of 67.
Scientists measured their sleep cycles and followed them for 12 years.
They found individuals who developed dementia only spent 17 per cent of their sleep time in REM, compared to 20 per cent for healthy adults.
Around 850,000 Brits have dementia, and the figure is expected to hit one million within a decade.
There is currently no cure but some drugs can control the symptoms.
Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society said: “There’s increasing evidence that disturbed sleep is a risk factor for dementia.
“This study found that trouble with the REM stages of sleep may be linked to a small increased risk of the condition.
“Over the next few years we should hope to see some answers to the novel questions about the role that sleep plays in dementia risk, including whether sleep disturbance is a contributing factor.”
Previous research shows people who sleep more than nine hours nightly have double the risk of developing dementia in the following decade.
Dr Alison Evans, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This small study adds to evidence of sleep changes preceding the onset of memory and thinking changes, and suggests that levels of REM sleep may be particularly relevant to the risk of future dementia symptoms.
“It is possible REM sleep may be disturbed as a result of stress, a factor that has previously been linked to an increased risk of dementia.”