A common sleeping pill may reduce buildup of Alzheimer's proteins

While the findings of this study are encouraging, they also come with caution. The effect of suvorexant on protein levels was short-lived, with tau concentrations rebounding within 24 hours. Furthermore, the study only spanned two nights and included a small group of participants, which means the results cannot yet be generalized to broader populations or used as the basis for long-term treatment recommendations. 

Additionally, sleep aids like suvorexant may not always induce the kind of deep, slow-wave sleep that is most beneficial for brain health. Research has shown that slow-wave sleep, the deepest stage of sleep, is particularly important for clearing toxins from the brain. While suvorexant appears to help reduce amyloid and tau levels in the short term, its long-term effects on sleep quality and cognitive function are still unclear. As neurologist Brendan Lucey, the study’s lead author, cautions, “it would be premature for people who are worried about developing Alzheimer’s to interpret it as a reason to start taking suvorexant every night.”

This study, however, contributes to a growing body of evidence linking sleep disturbances with Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s continues to defy conventional treatments, researchers are increasingly interested in lifestyle factors—such as sleep—that may play a preventative role.

The Broader Implications of Sleep and Brain Health

This new research is part of a larger conversation about the role of sleep in overall brain health. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a wide range of cognitive issues, including memory loss, reduced concentration, and impaired problem-solving abilities, which are all common symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Improving sleep hygiene, therefore, might be one of the simplest and most effective ways to support long-term brain health.

Good sleep hygiene practices include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime, and creating a restful sleep environment. For those experiencing more serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, seeking treatment could also be crucial. Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers remain hopeful that future studies will build on these findings to develop drugs or treatments that target the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s. Lucey, for one, is optimistic: “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.”