An expert warned that a common sleep habit could raise your risk for dementia
A neurologist has issued a warning over a common sleep habit that could be raising your risk of dementia. According to the expert, this is something he never does.
Dementia is a syndrome, or a group of associated symptoms, linked to the ongoing decline of the brain. Most common in people over the age of 65, it can result in issues such as memory loss and behavioural and personality changes.
Although it is more common the older we get, age is far from the only risk factor. Research has shown that around 45 per cent of dementia cases are preventable with lifestyle changes.
This includes looking after your hearing. In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok neurologist Dr Baibing Chen said he never sleeps with headphones in for this reason.
Dr Chen, who is better known as Dr Bing, warned this could result in hearing loss, which has been linked in studies to dementia. He said: “Here are three things I do not do as a neurologist.
“Number one is I do not wear headphones to bed. If you are one of those people that wear headphones to bed just make sure that the sounds that you’re playing are quiet and not loud because loud sounds can damage the hair cells in your inner ear and over time can raise your risk of hearing loss and dementia.”
He added: “Also wearing earbuds and headphones for hours can trap moisture and bacteria which then increase the risk of developing ear infection. And if you’re listening to loud sounds during sleep it might interrupt your deep sleep and disrupt your lymphatic system, which is your brain’s nightly cleaning cycle that cleans out toxins.”
In a previous TikTok video, Dr Bing stated that hearing loss is “one of the most overlooked risk factors” for dementia. He explained: “Even mild hearing loss can significantly increase your risk.”
Getting your hearing regularly checked is therefore important. He continued: “If you’re having trouble hearing, don’t wait get it checked out and consider hearing aids if needed. It’s about more than just hearing, it’s about keeping your brain engaged and active.”
His advice is backed by a 2024 study from The Lancet which listed hearing loss as a major risk factor for dementia. Symptoms of dementia can include:
- Memory loss.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes
If you think you or a loved one is displaying symptoms of dementia or hearing loss you should seek professional advice as soon as possible.
