(MENAFN) A new large-scale study involving over 27,000 adults aged 40 to 70 reveals that poor sleep may accelerate brain aging by almost a full year compared to actual age. Published in the Lancet, the research employed artificial intelligence to assess brain MRI scans and estimate each participant’s "brain age"—a biological indicator reflecting changes like tissue loss, cortical thinning, and vascular damage.

The analysis showed a clear connection between declining sleep quality and increased brain age. Specifically, every decrease in sleep quality corresponded to roughly six additional months of brain aging. Those experiencing insomnia, snoring, irregular sleep durations, or late sleep patterns had brains appearing on average one year older than their true age.

“Having a brain age higher than your actual age can be a signal of departure from healthy ageing,” the researchers noted.

This finding aligns with earlier research linking older-looking brains to faster cognitive decline, heightened dementia risk, and shorter lifespan.

The study also highlighted inflammation as a potential factor in this relationship. Poor sleep can elevate inflammation levels, which may damage blood vessels and brain cells. Inflammation was found to explain approximately 10% of the association between sleep quality and accelerated brain aging.

While aging of the brain is inevitable, the researchers emphasize that lifestyle adjustments can help slow this process. They recommend maintaining consistent sleep routines, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, limiting screen exposure before bedtime, and ensuring a quiet, dark sleeping environment to support long-term brain health.

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