YOUR BRAIN & SLEEP

Not enough sleep can lead to depression and dementia. For Americans over 50, more than half report waking up too early and not returning to sleep. Also, over 40% acknowledge they are not getting enough. According to a new report from the Global Council on Brain Health, lack of sleep could be impairing brain function. As we age, 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night can help maintain cognitive function the report notes. Recent studies show too little sleep can contribute to depression and even dementia. This is particularly true in older people. Needing less sleep as adults age is a myth. The report found that sleep habits may change with age, but poor-quality sleep is not normal.