Sleep disorders or too long sleep increase the risk of dementia and lung cancer

Physicians are studying the effects of a disturbed sleep
Many people around the world have problems with their nocturnal sleep. For example, such difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep in middle age may increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers now found that sleep problems are related to dementia and an increased likelihood of lung cancer.

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland found in their study that problems with the initiation or maintenance of nocturnal sleep may increase the risk of dementia and lung cancer. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

Nocturnal sleep problems have certainly been experienced by most people. The effects for the next day are mostly catastrophic, we are driveless, tired and our performance is reduced. Physicians found that sleep problems can even increase the likelihood of lung cancer and dementia. (Image: Sven Vietense / fotolia.com)

How many hours of sleep per night are healthy?
People sleeping less or more than 7 to 7.5 hours a night increase their risk of developing dementia or lung cancer, say the experts. Such sleep behavior appears to cause low levels of inflammation in the human body. In addition, disrupting our sleep hormones causes tumor growth to be driven, say the authors.

Lack of sleep increases the level of copper in our blood
The lack of sleep is also associated with elevated levels of copper in our blood, which in turn increase cancer risk, the researchers explain. If nighttime sleep is disturbed for a long time, it also increases the risk of developing dementia by 1.5 times. This effect may be due to an accumulation of a specific protein, which interferes with the memory-associated brain region and prevents the regeneration of the brain cells.

Experts examined nearly 2,700 participants
For their study, the researchers studied 2,682 male volunteers over a 20-year period. The study participants were between 42 and 60 years old during the basic tests in the years 1984 to 1989. The investigation also took into account personal health factors (such as smoking), say the experts.

What happens during our sleep??
During sleep, the body's energy is allocated to cellular repair, brain immune functions and neuronal brain plasticity, and memory consolidation, the authors explain. The need for sleep is individual and changes throughout life. For adults, the recommended sleep duration is usually seven to nine hours. Inadequate sleep, insomnia, insomnia or sleep rhythm disturbances can cause excessive fatigue during the day.

Which problems are acute due to lack of sleep?
Acute effects of bad sleep include difficulties in cognitive tasks, increased energy requirements, increased cell stress, lower heart rate and lower body temperature, the researchers explain.

What chronic diseases can cause long-term sleep disorders?
Long-term sleep disorders have been linked to some chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. People with too short or too long sleep have also been found to have an increased risk of mortality, the researchers explain.

Which factors increase the risk of cancer and dementia??
The underlying factors regarding the association between sleep duration and increased risk of lung cancer relate to minor inflammation and disorders in melatonin secretion, say the authors. These factors contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer and to the acceleration of tumor growth. Inflammation to a low degree is associated with sleep duration and zinc and copper levels, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. An association between sleep disorders and dementia can be caused by structural changes in the brain, minor inflammation and neurogenic disorders, the experts add.