What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a condition of difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up multiple times during the night or waking up too early and unable to fall asleep. People with insomnia often feel:
Fatigue, sleepiness during the day
Irritable, anxious, mild depression
Difficulty concentrating, memory loss
Declining work efficiency and quality of life
There are two main types of insomnia:
Short-term insomnia: Often caused by stress, changes in lifestyle or sleep environment. Hold for a few days to a few weeks.
Chronic insomnia: occurs at least 3 times a week and lasts for more than 3 months. This is a form of insomnia that can seriously affect health, especially the brain.
Insomnia and its link to brain aging
A study published in the journal Neurology (under the American Academy of Neurology) in September 2025 showed a clear link between chronic insomnia and brain aging.
The study involved more than 2,700 healthy seniors over five years. The results showed that people with chronic insomnia were at a 40% higher risk of memory and thinking loss than normal sleepers, equivalent to the brain aging about 3.5 years faster.
While it is not yet possible to conclude that insomnia is a direct cause of brain aging, the link is noteworthy. In the context of increasingly common insomnia at all ages, taking the initiative to take care of sleep not only helps improve quality of life but also contributes to protecting long-term brain health.
Warning signs of insomnia affecting the brain
Difficulty remembering the things that just happened.
Reduced ability to concentrate and process information.
Often forgetful about schedules and appointments.
facility to get angry, anxiety of unknown cause.
Having signs of mild depression or disorientation.
If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms for many weeks, you need to review your resting sleep habits and intervene promptly.
Tips to improve sleep, reduce the risk of brain aging
To protect your brain health and avoid falling into the spiral of chronic insomnia, you can apply the following simple tips:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
Limit exposure to electronic devices before bed: Blue light from phones and computers can inhibit melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.
Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol or smoking close to bedtime
Don't eat too much or drink too much water before bed
Create a quiet, dark and cool sleeping space
Gentle exercise during the day: Yoga, walking, stretching help the body relax, sleep better.
Practice relaxation techniques before bed: Reading, listening to light music, taking a warm bath...
Note
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
