Do you wake up every morning after a sleepless night, groggy and irritable? What if the consequences of insomnia went far beyond simple fatigue? A recent study published in September 2025 in the prestigious journal Neurology sheds harsh light on the devastating impact of chronic insomnia on our brain health.
The shocking study: 3.5 more years of brain aging
Thestudy from the magazine neurology, conducted on a large panel of participants, established a quantifiable link between chronic insomnia and brain health. Researchers found that people with persistent insomnia had a 40% increased risk of developing cognitive impairment compared to good sleepers.
The numbers speak for themselves:
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16% of study participants were identified as suffering from chronic insomnia.
- Among them, 14% developed cognitive impairment during follow-up.
- This figure is much higher than the 10% observed in the group without insomnia.
But the most striking remains the equivalent in “brain age”. Analyzes, including the state of white matter and the presence of amyloid plaques (associated with Alzheimer's disease), indicate that chronic insomnia is equivalent to 3.5 years of additional brain aging.
“Insomnia not only affects how you feel the next day, it can also impact your brain health over time.” - Dr. Diego Z. Carvalho, neurologist and lead author of the study
How does insomnia steal your brain youth?
Sleep is much more than just a period of rest. It is an active process essential for the “maintenance” of our brain.
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Cleansing of toxins: During deep sleep, the glymphatic system is activated to eliminate metabolic waste that accumulates during the day, including beta-amyloid proteins.
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Memory consolidation: Sleep allows us to sort, classify and consolidate the memories of the day.
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Cellular recovery: This is the time when the body and brain repair themselves.
Chronic insomnia disrupts these vital processes. The brain no longer has time to clean itself, favoring the accumulation of harmful plaques. Oxidative stress and inflammation increase, damaging neurons and brain connections. The risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, especially in carriers of the APOE e4 susceptibility gene, is considerably increased.
CBD and sleep: a scientifically supported glimmer of hope
Although the Neurology study does not mention cannabidiol (CBD), research on this natural compound offers an encouraging perspective for combating insomnia and its consequences.
CBD is not a sedative sleeping pill. It acts in a more subtle and holistic way, often attacking the root causes of sleep disorders:
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Reduction of anxiety: Anxiety and stress are among the leading causes of insomnia. CBD interacts with receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), involved in the regulation of mood and the stress response.
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Action on pain: Chronic pain is a major obstacle to quality sleep. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
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Modulation of sleep architecture: Studies suggest that CBD may influence sleep cycles by increasing the duration of deep slow-wave sleep, the most restorative phase.
A review of scientific literature showed that in 4 out of 5 studies, CBD was superior to placebo in improving subjective sleep quality. Another major advantage: CBD is non-psychotropic (it does not get you high) and has an excellent safety profile, with a very low risk of addiction compared to traditional pharmacological solutions.
Our expert formulations to regain restful sleep
At CBDtech, we believe in the power of natural and synergistic solutions. This is why we have developed a range of products specifically designed to help you achieve peaceful and restorative nights.
Our flagship collection combines the benefits of CBD, CBN (cannabinol, often called "the sleep molecule" for its mild sedative properties) and Melatonin (the natural hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle).
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Conclusion: Take care of your sleep, take care of your brain
Evidence is mounting: good sleep is not a luxury, but a biological necessity to keep our brains healthy and youthful. Chronic insomnia is a real accelerator of brain aging, but it is possible to act.
CBD, as a modulator of stress, anxiety and pain, represents a natural and promising option for breaking the vicious cycle of insomnia and thus, potentially, helping to protect our cognitive functions in the long term.
It is essential to remember that CBD is part of an overall lifestyle: regular bedtimes, limitation of screens in the evening, calm and dark environment, and daily physical activity.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. CBD is not a medicine and should not replace treatment prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional for any persistent health problems, especially severe sleep disorders.
