Could Poor Sleep Be Hurting Your Brain?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 21, 2025

If you’ve ever woken up groggy, unable to shake the brain fog, or struggling to focus, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea—a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep—affects nearly 936 million people globally.

But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. New research shows it could harm your brain and increase your risk for serious cognitive issues, including dementia.

And with dementia rates on the rise, this research is a wake-up call.

Let’s break it down…

Recent findings from the University of Miami reveal that people with sleep apnea may experience an enlarged hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

But, instead of being beneficial, researchers believe the swelling could indicate inflammation and damage.

Additionally, low oxygen levels during sleep are linked to white matter damage, which plays a crucial role in communication between different brain regions. These changes aren’t just theoretical; they’ve been observed in brain scans and are associated with higher risks of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.

You might have thought of sleep apnea as just loud snoring or waking up gasping for air. But it’s so much more than that.

• Disrupted sleep: Your body and brain never enter the restorative stages of sleep.
• Low oxygen levels: Your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen to function optimally.
• Inflammation and damage: Chronic poor sleep can create a cycle of damage that affects your brain and overall health.

The good news?

Sleep apnea is treatable, and taking action now can protect your brain for years to come.

Start by checking for symptoms like snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, or memory issues. If these warning signs sound familiar, talk to your doctor—a simple at-home sleep test can determine if you have sleep apnea.

Treatment options include CPAP machines, the most common approach, but lifestyle changes can also make a big difference.

Prioritizing sleep hygiene is also key. To improve your sleep quality, stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine or heavy meals before bed, and create a dark, cool, and quiet sleeping environment.

A good night’s sleep is more than just feeling rested—it’s essential for your brain’s health. Your brain relies on deep, restorative sleep to clear out toxins, repair cells, and process memories. Without it, you could be setting the stage for long-term cognitive decline.

Take control of your sleep—and your brain health—today.

Source:

Alberto R. Ramos, Christian Agudelo, Kevin A. Gonzalez, Wassim Tarraf, Martha Daviglus, Sleep Disordered Breathing and Subsequent Neuroimaging Markers of Brain Health in Hispanic/Latino Adults, Neurology, January 14, 2025, issue 104 (1)

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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