Brent Franson had never feared death itself, but the thought of succumbing to Alzheimer's disease terrified him. Growing up, he saw the faces of those suffering from it, their lifeless expressions leaving a profound impact on him.

His worst nightmare materialized when he used the Death Clock, an AI-driven tool that predicts the precise moment of a person's death based on various lifestyle and health metrics.

Franson, now 43, was startled when the Death Clock suggested he would live until 76 years old, with Alzheimer's listed among potential causes. This revelation made perfect sense to him.

In his 20s, he battled an addiction to antidepressants and sedatives, which disrupted his sleep for a decade—an alarming risk factor for cognitive decline. On top of that, a genetic predisposition to dementia loomed over him.

Juggling a demanding job and family life, Franson decided it was time to rewrite his fate. Transforming into what he coined a 'sleep athlete,' he revamped his routine to prioritize rest, exercise, and a healthier work-life balance.

A year later, he ran his details through the Death Clock again, only to find his projected lifespan extended by nine years. While Alzheimer's still loomed as a likely cause, other health threats like cardiovascular disease and cancer joined the list.

"Ultimately, something has to claim your life eventually," Franson shared with DailyMail.com. "My greatest fear isn’t death itself—it’s Alzheimer’s. The thought of living with it was a wake-up call for me."

As America ages, the incidence of dementia is increasing, with an estimated 6.8 million people currently living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, this number is predicted to surge to nearly 13 million.

Studies have linked inadequate sleep, especially deep sleep, to a heightened risk of Alzheimer's, with inadequate rest preventing the brain from clearing harmful waste—and enabling toxic amyloid beta proteins to accumulate.

Staggeringly, over one in three adults—between 50 to 70 million—fail to meet the CDC's sleep recommendations of at least seven hours per night. A study has even suggested that sleeping less than six hours before age 70 can escalate dementia risk by 30%.

Franson took charge of his sleep hygiene. He banished mobile phones from his bedroom, established a steadfast bedtime of 9:30 PM, and made sure his last meal was at 5:30 PM to facilitate better digestion before sleeping.

He also lowered the bedroom temperature to a cozy 60°F (15°C) and installed blackout blinds to ensure complete darkness—a crucial factor for restful sleep.

Cutting out alcohol was another pivotal change; its disruptive impact on sleep can undermine memory, as studies show that drinking can shrink crucial brain areas involved in cognitive functioning.

Regular exercise became a staple in his routine, with Franson alternating between weightlifting, cardio, and yoga. Research has shown that consistent vigorous activity can notably lower dementia risk.

While some people turn to high-tech solutions for health, Franson asserts that over 90% of longevity hinges on sleep, diet, and exercise—leaving just a fraction for cancer screenings and fringe health trends.

"The conversation around longevity often misses the mark," he concluded. "People obsess over supplements and scans when, in reality, improvements in sleep, diet, and exercise hold far greater power."