The Helsinki Health Study at the University of Helsinki investigated the development of insomnia symptoms in midlife and their effects on memory, learning ability and concentration after retirement. The follow-up period was 15-17 years.
According to the study, long-term insomnia symptoms and later poorer cognitive functioning have a clear connection.
“The findings indicate that severe insomnia symptoms were associated with worse cognitive function among those who were on statutory pension,” says Doctoral Researcher Antti Etholén, describing the results of the study.
The study also found that the memory problems, and problems in learning ability and concentration increased as the insomnia symptoms were prolonged.
Sleeping well already in middle age
Prior research has shown that there are a number of mechanisms that can explain how sleep can affect cognitive functioning. What makes…
