Taking sleeping pills could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to new research. People who popped the drugs before bedtime had fewer rogue brain proteins linked to the disease.
Scientists described results as "very encouraging". Not getting enough shut-eye is linked to cognitive decline. The two-night study hints at a potential treatment to slow or stop progression of dementia.
Participants were given suvorexant - sold under the brand name Belsomra to combat insomnia. Senior author Professor Brendan Lucey, of Washington University in the United States, said: "This is a small, proof-of-concept study.
