Sleep Disorders and Brain Aging: Insights from Irkutsk Research

No time to read?
Get a summary

Researchers at the somnology and neurophysiology laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Institution, known as the Scientific Center for Problems of Family Health and Human Reproduction in Irkutsk, have identified a link between sleep disturbances and changes in brain function that signal accelerated aging. This finding was shared with socialbites.ca by the Ministry of Education and Science.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) features recurring breathing pauses, partial airway constriction, and often loud snoring. In Irkutsk, scientists compared brain activity in patients with and without OSA during sleep using polysomnography and electroencephalography (EEG). The comparison aimed to understand how disrupted breathing impacts neural processes across the night.

The study showed that frequent drops in blood oxygen and disrupted sleep continuity characteristic of OSA significantly alter the density, frequency, and timing of sleep spindles. Sleep spindles are specialized brain rhythms that occur during slow-wave sleep. They help the brain filter sensory input, promote the onset and maintenance of sleep, and contribute to memory formation, neuroplasticity, general intelligence, and cognitive performance. The observed disturbances were associated with reduced overall sleep efficiency and signs of impaired brain function that may resemble premature aging over time.

Estimates indicate that OSA has become more common in recent decades. A large epidemiological study reported a substantial prevalence of OSA in the general population, with a noticeable gender difference: a significant portion of men and a smaller portion of women experience OSA of varying severity. The consequences of OSA extend beyond daytime sleepiness; they include diminished attention, slower psychomotor performance, and an increased risk of workplace and traffic accidents. Consequently, monitoring sleep homeostasis has become a priority area in modern somnology research, as researchers seek practical tests and interventions to safeguard brain health during sleep [Attribution: Irkutsk study].

The ongoing research aims to translate nighttime EEG monitoring into clinical practice, enabling clinicians to detect brain dysfunction and potential premature aging linked to sleep disorders. Further studies are planned to explore how sleep disturbances relate to neurocognitive activity and to emotional and personality traits, with the goal of improving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for sleep-related brain health concerns [Attribution: Irkutsk study].

A separate line of thought in sensational headlines notes that earlier work attempted to develop rapid tests for diseases such as esophageal cancer in minutes. While that statement references a different line of inquiry, the current sleep-focused research underscores how objective brain activity measures during sleep can illuminate underlying health risks and guide future clinical approaches.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Parliamentary Incident at TVP Headquarters Involving MEPs and Security Guard Raises Safety Concerns

Next Article

Colate Reflects on Custody Battles and Fatherhood in Public Eye