- A study found links between sleep and brain aging.
- Researchers used many brain scans and questionnaires from adults.
- People answered questions about several sleep habits.
- Years later the same people had brain scans.
- Scans showed areas of brain damage.
- Some sleep habits were linked to more damage.
- Sleeping too little and frequent naps stood out.
- Snoring and dozing were not clearly linked later.
- These sleep habits can be changed to help.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who collects information and tests ideasResearchers
- questionnaire — set of written questions for many peoplequestionnaires
- scan — picture of the inside of a body or brainbrain scans, Scans
- damage — harm to a part of the body or thing
- habit — something a person does oftensleep habits
- aging — the process of getting older
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you take naps?
- How many hours do you sleep each night?
- Which sleep habit would you try to change?
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