202. Insomnia as an adult linked to cognitive decline later in life
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Having insomnia in your middle adult years is associated with poorer cognitive function after retirement. In a new study published in the Journal of Aging and Health, researchers at the University of Helsinki studied over 3,700 working adults aged 40 to 60 and followed them for 15 to 17 years. They observed that memory problems, problems with learning ability, and difficulty concentrating years later increased as the insomnia symptoms years earlier were prolonged. The researchers argue that long-lasting insomnia symptoms are risk factors for cognitive decline. They believe that taking earlier steps to improve your sleep quantity and quality could be protective for your brain as you get older.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
