SPOKANE, Wash. – University of Washington School of Medicine neuroscientist Dr. Jeffrey Iliff will present at Gonzaga University on Tuesday. Iliff’s findings suggest that getting poor sleep could have negative cumulative effects on brain health.
In an interview with NonStop Local Iliff explained that while it is widely known that getting good sleep has positive health effects, the long-term effects of bad sleep hygiene are only starting to become clear.
“The newer work is starting to suggest…that how you sleep over time doesn’t just dictate how your brain works today and tomorrow…but it may actually be dictating how your brain is going to be functioning over the decades to come,” Iliff said.
Iliff’s work suggests that getting good sleep doesn’t just make a person feel better, it could also improve their cognitive health as they age.
“Chronic sleep disruption, poor sleep, short sleep, seemed to be risk factors…for dementing disorders like Alzheimer’s disease,” Iliff said.
Iliff highlighted that a consistent sleep schedule could contribute to positive health outcomes, but that the link between dementia and sleep has not yet been fully explored.
“Our take-home message is exactly what your grandparents probably told you: sleep matters,” Iliff said.
Iliff’s talk will take place at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at 6 pm. Those interested in seeing the talk can register to see it via zoom.
