Therapy for Insomnia May Slow Aging in Older Adults
A UCLA study suggests cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia might slow biological aging in seniors, highlighting sleep as a key factor in healthy aging.
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Originally reported by UCLA Health. Senior Wellness summarises the reporting; we do not publish the original article.
According to a new study reported by UCLA Health, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia could help slow biological aging in older adults. This study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, found that individuals who received CBT had a greater chance of overcoming insomnia and experienced a slower rate of biological aging compared to those who received standard sleep education.
The research focused on nearly 100 older adults with insomnia, dividing them into two groups: one receiving CBT and the other sleep education. CBT involves structured sessions with a clinician to change sleep-related thoughts and behaviors, while sleep education focuses on general sleep information without behavioral strategies.
The study utilized blood samples to measure biological aging using epigenetic clocks. Results showed a significant difference favoring those who underwent CBT. However, the report notes limitations, such as the study's single location in Los Angeles and the need for more diverse participants to confirm findings.
These results suggest that treating insomnia could be a way to influence how the body ages. Older adults experiencing insomnia might consider discussing cognitive behavioral therapy with their healthcare provider as a potential option to support healthy aging.
Related Conditions
Insomnia
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. It can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for months or years. While insomnia can affect people of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among older adults.
Inflammaging
Inflammaging is a term used to describe the chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs as we age. This chronic inflammation can contribute to a variety of age-related diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Understanding inflammaging can help us develop strategies to promote healthy aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.