By CHRIS MELORE, DEPUTY SCIENCE EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published:20:07 EDT, 6 May 2026|Updated:20:51 EDT, 6 May 2026
Scientists have discovered a disturbing list of problems in the human brain that look eerily similar toAlzheimer's diseaseafter as little as one sleepless night.
A team from the University of Ibadan inNigeriareviewed a large collection of medical studies focused on sleep deprivation, memory and brain function over the last 25 years to examine how missing sleep damages the brain.
They found that even a short period ofinsomnia or restlessnesscaused widespread problems, weakened connection between brain cells, sparked memory-damaging inflammation, allowed more toxins to build up and created fewer new brain cells.
These issues mirrored thelong-term degenerative conditionknown as Alzheimer's, which typically strikes older adults and leads to progressive memory loss, confusion and, eventually, death.
The study authors revealed that all adults from age 18 to 64 need between seven and nine hours of sleep each day. Younger children require even more sleep for their developing brains.
While many young adults, and even some older adults, may pull the infamous 'all-nighter' for work or school, the research found this strategy did not actually help humans retain more information or think clearly the next day.
In fact, the review found people had more trouble learning new things, forgot more easily, had more false memories, suffered from mood and decision-making issues and had a harder time processing emotional memories.
Unlike Alzheimer's disease, which has no cure currently, the study revealed that taking short naps and getting more sleep in general can help to reverse many of these issues.
Source: Drudge Report
