Prøve GULL - Gratis

This kind of sleep is essential for a healthy brain

Khaleej Times

|

May 14, 2025

A good night's sleep isn't just about the number of hours you log. Getting quality sleep - the kind that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for the day - is critical for a healthy brain.

- Mohana Ravindranath

This kind of sleep is essential for a healthy brain

People with disturbed sleep, like insomnia or sleep apnoea, have a higher risk of developing dementia than those with no sleep issues. Poor sleep can harm your brain in other ways, too. One study found that people in their 30s and 40s with heavily disrupted sleep (such as frequent awakenings or movements) were two to three times more likely to test lower in executive function, working memory and processing speeds a decade or so later.

Scientists think that deep sleep and rapid eye movement (or REM) sleep are particularly influential when it comes to brain health and dementia risk. A study published in March on people with deep sleep and REM deficiencies found that the subjects' brains showed signs of atrophy in MRI scans 13 to 17 years after the deficiencies were observed; the atrophy looked similar to what you'd find in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

What scientists know so far

When you're asleep, your brain continuously cycles through four distinct phases: Two stages of lighter sleep, when your body relaxes and your heart rate and temperature drop; deep sleep or slow wave sleep, when brain activity slows; and REM, when you typically dream. The brain generally takes about 90 minutes to cycle through all four stages and then restarts the process.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

'I don't': AI wedding vows fall foul of Dutch law

A Dutch court broke the hearts of a couple after ruling that their marriage, whose wedding vows were drafted with the help of artificial intelligence, was not valid.

time to read

1 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Taapsee Pannu on being an outsider in Bollywood

After 15 years in the industry, the actor says owning her voice will define her legacy

time to read

2 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal reveal their son's name

Bollywood star couple Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, who turned parents in November last year, have announced the name of their son: Vihaan Kaushal.

time to read

1 min

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Gold set for stellar run as investors seek safe havens

Gold is poised to remain a cornerstone of investment portfolios in 2026, with analysts projecting the yellow metal to average $4,538 per ounce next year and bullish scenarios pointing towards $5,000 an ounce, underscoring its enduring appeal as a hedge against uncertainty and a key driver of returns.

time to read

3 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Sharjah halves fees for realty buyers at Acres exhibition

Property transactions valued at more than DhS billion are expected to be executed at the upcoming Sharjah real estate exhibition Acres 2026 this month on the back of incentives to be offered to buyers and new projects to be showcased during the four-day expo.

time to read

2 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

India women's cricket World Cup win fires up T20 league

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League launches on Friday with the popularity of women’s cricket at an all-time high in India following their maiden World Cup triumph.

time to read

2 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Arsenal have a point to prove in Liverpool clash: Arteta

Premier League leaders Arsenal have “a point to prove” when they face Liverpool, manager Mikel Arteta said on Wednesday as the North London club look to maintain their commanding advantage at the summit.

time to read

1 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Drishyam 3 eyeing April 2026 release, says Jeethu Joseph

Georgekutty is back.

time to read

1 mins

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Iran army chief threatens response to Trump and Netanyahu's 'threats'

Iran's military chief warned on Wednesday that Iran will not stand by and allow itself to be threatened by outside powers, after the United States and Israel backed anti-government protests.

time to read

1 min

January 08, 2026

Khaleej Times

Khaleej Times

Pakistan eyes defence pact with Bangladesh, sale of JF-17 jets

In the wake of Hasina's ouster, Islamabad and Dhaka have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 war

time to read

1 mins

January 08, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size