Study looks at relationship between sleeping and cognitive problems

A woman sleeping.
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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — We know that sleep is a very important part of good health, but according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, people who have trouble falling asleep may be at increased risk of developing cognitive problems or dementia than their counterparts who sleep well. 

According to the study, individuals with insomnia were 27% more likely to develop cognitive problems, and people who had what's known as sleep inadequacy, or an insufficient amount of quality rest, were 25% more likely to develop dementia. 

"Sleep inefficiency," or spending too much time wide awake in bed, was associated with a 24% greater chance of cognitive decline.