Low oxygen in REM sleep linked to memory issues
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New research published in the journal Neurology shows that low oxygen levels during REM sleep, the stage when most dreaming occurs, can damage memory-related brain regions by injuring small blood vessels. This mechanism sheds light on why individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition marked by disrupted breathing during sleep, often experience memory issues as they age. The study highlights the critical role of oxygen stability during sleep in protecting brain health and preventing age-related cognitive issues.
Source
Berisha, D. E., Rizvi, B., Chappel-Farley, M. G., Tustison, N., Taylor, L., Dave, A., Sattari, N. S., Chen, I. Y., Lui, K. K., Janecek, J. C., Keator, D. B., Neikrug, A. B., Benca, R. M., Yassa, M. A., & Mander, B. A. (2025). Association of Hypoxemia Due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea With White Matter Hyperintensities and Temporal Lobe Changes in Older Adults. Neurology, 104(11), e213639. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213639
Additional Reading
https://scienceblog.com/dream-sleep-oxygen-drops-linked-to-memory-brain-changes/