Why We Need Sleep: Study Shows Brain Cleans Out Toxins During Sleep

Time and again, scientists have been telling us that sleep is important to us and our health. It is an obvious human need because during sleep, our body recuperates and regenerates so that it can function well. Now, based on a new study, we can add one more reason why we need sleep, and it has to do with keeping our brains healthy.

Sleep as time for the brain for a toxic clean up

According to a study by Maiken Nedergaard and Steven Goldman published in the Scientific American, the brain activates an “internal plumbing system” called the glymphatic system that regulates and controls brain waste. Brain waste is generated by the brain throughout the course of a day and these need to be flushed out as these can be toxic.

The study also confirmed that this cleaning out happens only during sleep, when the brain is in a different state than when a person is awake. During sleep, these toxins are flushed out of the brain eventually ending up in the liver for disposal.

Earlier studies took a look at the brain activity of mice while awake and during sleep. The scientists monitored the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and they found out that during sleep, the CSF rapidly flowed within the brain.

Key to treating Alzheimer’s’ and other brain diseases

A Rappler report also cited the significance of this discovery to helping the treatment of Alzheimer’s’ and other brain diseases. Brain trash or beta-amyloids that is not flushed out by the brain, is said to be the main culprit for Alzheimer’s. Studying the role of the glymphatic system and how it can be used to find a cure for Alzheimer’s is one of the areas of further medical research that have been identified.

Sleep on your side, for better brain waste disposal

As more and more facts are discovered about how our brain works and how sleep affects, it is best we heed the advice of sleep scientists. One of this is to sleep on your side so that your brain will be in a better position to get rid of brain waste.