Sleeping
A member of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) sleeps during a vote counting session for the parliamentary election at an analysis centre in Baghdad May 11, 2014. Reuters

Poor and inadequate sleep leads to shrinkage of the gray matter in the brain over a period of time, say researchers from the University of Oxford in the U.K. The study was published in the journal Neurology.

A group of researchers from Oxford University found a link between poor sleep quality and faster rates of decline in brain volume in three parts of the brain -- frontal, temporal and parietal areas. Poor quality of sleep included facing difficulties in falling asleep, rising too early or waking up in the night.

In order to arrive at the finding, researchers conducted study on 147 adults between the age group of 20 and 84. They examined sleep difficulties and its impact on the brain volume. All participants had to undergo an MRI scan -- approximately 3.5 years apart. They then had to reply to a set of questions in a questionnaire about their sleep habits.

The researchers took into consideration factors such as use of sleeping pills, the duration that they slept for and how long it took them to sleep, among many other factors. The weight, blood pressure and level of activity throughout the day were also analysed. It was found that 35 per cent of participants had poor sleep and on the sleep assessment, they scored approximately 8.5 out of 21 points.

"It follows that if sleep is disrupted, then processes that help restore and repair the brain are interrupted and may be less effective, leading to greater rates decline in brain volume," CBS quoted lead researcher Claire Sexton, a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Oxford in England saying.

Sexton further added, "It may be that greater rates of decline in brain volumes make it more difficult for a person to get a good night's sleep." She said that the problems might move in both directions.

The researchers also figured out that poor quality sleep was more pronounced among adults above the age of 60. According to Sexton, apart from consulting a doctor, being more active physically and establishing a healthy bedtime routine can help overcome difficulties in sleeping.