Poor Sleep Tied to Higher Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Chronic insomnia may increase the risk of dementia by 40% and accelerate brain aging by more than three years, according to research published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The findings add to growing evidence that poor sleep is not only a symptom of aging but also a potential driver of cognitive decline.

“Insomnia remains widely under-recognized, under-reported, and undertreated in the community,” said Diego Carvalho, Specialist, Mayo Clinic, and lead author of the study. “The impact of insomnia in the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia was higher than having two cardiometabolic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.”

Researchers tracked 2,750 adults with an average age of 70 who were cognitively healthy at the outset. After nearly six years, participants with chronic insomnia — defined as difficulty sleeping three or more nights a week for at least three months — were significantly more likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Brain scans also revealed greater prevalence of white matter hyperintensities and amyloid plaques, markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular damage.

The findings reinforce earlier research connecting poor sleep with chronic health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Experts argue that identifying and treating insomnia could serve as a preventive strategy for dementia. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia remains the recommended treatment, with calls for broader adoption in primary care to reach more patients.

Besides its long-term health outcomes, sleep disruptions also affect productivity. In Mexico, nearly one in three workers experiences post-vacation syndrome, according to the Instituto del Propósito del Bienestar Integral (IPBI), reports MBN. Symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia can delay productivity recovery by up to three weeks and cost companies as much as 7.3% of payroll due to absenteeism. While not a clinical diagnosis, the syndrome is considered a precursor to burnout, which is recognized by the World Health Organization.

“The post-vacation syndrome is not an individual weakness but a barometer of organizational health,” says Rosalinda Ballesteros, General Director, IPBI. She adds that companies can mitigate productivity loss by promoting well-being and addressing workplace stressors.

In Mexico, employees take fewer vacation days than legally available and often remain connected to work communications during time off. Stress affects an estimated 75% of the population, placing the country among the highest worldwide.

Global awareness initiatives, including World Sleep Day observed each March, continue to highlight sleep’s role in physical recovery, stress management, and cognitive function. A 2022 study found that one in four Mexican adults reported sleep difficulties at least three times a week, with middle-aged adults most affected. Specialists recommend consistent schedules, reduced screen exposure before bed, and controlled environments to support healthier sleep patterns.

Taken together, the research points to sleep as a key factor in both public health and workforce performance. From dementia prevention to employee engagement, experts argue that recognizing and addressing insomnia could reduce long-term health risks and economic costs.