We all get sleepy now and then, especially after lunch or during a particularly dull Zoom meeting. But if that bone-deep fatigue becomes everyday, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep. According to new research, persistent daytime drowsiness—especially in older adults—could be a red flag for dementia.
A study published in Neurology followed 733 women in their 80s using sleep trackers. Over five years, researchers noted that women who experienced sudden spikes in sleepiness or frequent daytime naps were twice as likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The big takeaway? Shifting sleep habits could be one of the earliest visible signs of cognitive decline.
But before you panic over your grandma’s love for her afternoon snooze, doctors stress that not all tiredness is cause for concern. “A good night’s sleep is more critical for people in their 80s than a nap,” explains neurologist Dr. Clifford Segil of Providence Saint John’s Health Center. He adds that sleep plays a vital role in memory consolidation, turning short-term memories into long-term ones. And when sleep becomes disrupted, it may make it harder for the brain to function and retrieve memories.
What does this mean for you or your loved ones? Start paying closer attention to sleep patterns, especially sudden changes in daytime alertness. While naps aren’t inherently bad, excessive or increasing drowsiness might be worth bringing up with a doctor, particularly in aging adults.
