By: Dr. Avi Verma

In the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease—a neurodegenerative condition that continues to puzzle scientists and devastate families—researchers are turning their attention to one of the most basic human needs: sleep.

A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology suggests that a prescription sleep aid commonly used for insomnia might modestly reduce levels of the toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, while preliminary, add momentum to the growing belief that good sleep hygiene could be key in protecting long-term brain health.

The study at a glance

Researchers conducted a short-term clinical trial involving 38 middle-aged adults (ages 45 to 65) who had no known cognitive impairments or diagnosed sleep disorders. Participants were given either a placebo or a commonly prescribed sleeping pill known as suvorexant, taken an hour after a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was drawn.

Over the next 36 hours, scientists collected more CSF samples at two-hour intervals to monitor changes in protein concentrations, specifically amyloid-beta and tau—both considered hallmark proteins in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The result? Participants who received suvorexant experienced a 10% to 20% reduction in amyloid-beta levels, compared to the placebo group. The higher dose of the medication also temporarily reduced certain abnormal forms of tau protein. However, the tau levels rebounded within 24 hours, and no measurable changes in sleep duration or quality were observed between the groups.

Understanding the science behind sleep and Alzheimer’s

Sleep disturbances are not just a symptom of Alzheimer’s—they may also be a precursor to it. The brain relies on deep, slow-wave sleep to flush out metabolic waste, including the buildup of amyloid-beta and tau. Even a single night of poor sleep has been shown in previous research to elevate these protein levels.

This reinforces the theory that restorative sleep plays a vital role in preventing or delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Suvorexant, which works by blocking orexin receptors that promote wakefulness, may enhance this cleanup process—though only temporarily, based on current data.

Proceed with caution

Despite the hopeful headlines, experts urge the public not to self-prescribe or rely on sleep medications as a long-term strategy to prevent Alzheimer’s.

“It would be premature for people who are worried about developing Alzheimer’s to interpret this as a reason to start taking suvorexant every night,” cautioned one of the lead neurologists involved in the research.

Long-term use of sleeping pills comes with its own risks, including dependency, grogginess, and disruption of natural sleep architecture. Importantly, these medications can sometimes promote shallow sleep rather than the deep sleep required to clear brain waste effectively.

Alzheimer’s research still evolving

While reducing amyloid and tau in the brain remains a focus of Alzheimer’s research, this “protein theory” has recently been challenged. Decades of attempts to treat the disease by lowering amyloid levels have failed to yield reliable or effective therapies.

That’s why researchers now urge a broader, more holistic view of Alzheimer’s disease—one that includes sleep, genetics, lifestyle, cardiovascular health, and more.

Takeaway for our readers

Though it’s too soon to consider sleep aids like suvorexant as preventative tools for Alzheimer’s, this study reinforces the crucial link between sleep and brain health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with poor sleep, consider taking steps such as:

• Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
• Avoiding caffeine and screens before bedtime
• Treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which has a strong association with cognitive decline
• Consulting with a healthcare provider before using any sleep medications

As one researcher involved in the study stated, “I’m hopeful that we will eventually develop drugs that take advantage of the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s to prevent cognitive decline. But we’re not quite there yet.”

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options