Alzheimer’s and Napping: When Changes in Sleep Patterns May Signal Something More
Napping is a normal part of life for many people, especially as they age. In fact, research shows that older adults often nap more frequently, and in many cases, this is considered typical. However, recent discussions around sleep and Alzheimer’s disease have raised important questions: can napping signal something more serious?
According to Medical News Today in an article published August 16, 2023, the relationship between napping and Alzheimer’s disease is complex and “bidirectional.” This means the connection works in two directions at once: Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain can increase daytime sleepiness, while increased or prolonged napping is also linked with worsening cognitive function over time. In other words, each can influence the other, creating a reinforcing cycle rather than a simple cause-and-effect relationship.
Reeva Salkin, DNP, APN-BC, ANP-BC, a provider with Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division in Somers Point, emphasizes this distinction. “Napping does not cause Alzheimer’s, and it does not prevent it,” she explains. “What matters most is a change in a person’s normal sleep pattern. That’s where we start to pay attention.”
Sleep plays a critical role in brain health. During deep sleep, the brain activates what is known as the glymphatic system—a process that helps clear waste products, including amyloid-beta proteins, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. While naps can offer short-term restorative benefits, they do not replace the deeper, more comprehensive sleep cycles that occur at night.
Short naps, generally around 20 to 30 minutes, may be beneficial. However, longer daytime naps, particularly those lasting more than an hour, have been associated in some studies with a higher risk of cognitive decline. One reason may be that extended daytime sleep can disrupt nighttime rest, reducing the brain’s ability to perform its essential “cleanup” processes.
Still, Salkin cautions against alarm. “It’s not the nap itself that’s concerning, it’s the change in sleeping pattern,” she says. “If someone who typically doesn’t nap suddenly begins sleeping more during the day, or if their naps become longer and more frequent, that could be a signal that something else is going on.”
In other words, excessive or changing sleep patterns can act as a window into brain health. They may be an early clinical sign worth discussing with a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by memory issues, confusion, or noticeable changes in daily functioning and routines.
The takeaway is reassuring but important: sleep is not the enemy. In fact, it is essential. But like many aspects of health, changes in baseline behavior deserve attention.
For individuals or families with concerns about memory, sleep changes, or cognitive health, professional guidance can provide clarity and peace of mind.
To schedule an appointment with Reeva Salkin at Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division, located at 700 Shore Road in Somers Point, call 609-365-6202.
