Trouble Falling Asleep Linked With Cognitive Impairment Down The Line, Study Finds

We've all dealt with bouts of sleep trouble, but those with insomnia have consistent problems sleeping that spill over into the next day and can lead to increased feelings of depression1, anxiousness, and of course, tiredness. Researchers are always learning more about the particular patterns of insomnia and how they can affect health in the long term.

According to a new study out of the University of Michigan, published in the journal Sleep, consistent trouble falling asleep (or prolonged sleep latency) is one insomnia symptom linked with cognitive impairment down the line.

For this research, the Michigan team analyzed data from nearly 2,500 adults (ages 51 or older) that spanned 14 years. Participants reported how often they experienced insomnia symptoms in 2002, and in 2016, everything from their memory to language to processing speed was assessed.

Out of all the insomnia symptoms (others include waking up during the night, waking up too early, etc.), this study found that trouble falling asleep was the greatest—and only—predictor of cognitive impairment down the road. Researchers found that those who reported prolonged sleep latency in 2002 were more likely to display worse episodic memory (a type of long-term memory) and executive function (the ability to problem-solve and make decisions) at the 2016 check-in.

"These results," Zaheed explains, "suggest that regular screening for insomnia symptoms may help with tracking and identifying people with trouble falling asleep in mid-to-late life who might be at risk for developing cognitive impairments later in life."