Sleep is a time for resting… or is it?

Research from Boston University describes our brains as engaging in a “cleansing flood” while we sleep that helps ward off diseases such as dementia.

This research builds on previous findings that have shown our brains are working rather than resting during sleep.

The exact process taking place involves our glymphatic system, a waste clearance system for our central nervous system.While we’re awake, precursor proteins called amyloid-betas spike and accumulate in our brain.

During our sleeping hours, our brain flushes these amyloid-betas, preventing them from forming into plaque and damaging our neurons.

Without adequate sleep, our brain can’t effectively wash away these precursor proteins.Their accumulation has been associated with a higher risk of dementia due to the damaged neurons.

“Poor sleep makes the glymphatic system less efficient,”Dr. Alon Y. Avidan said. “These proteins are toxic to the cell, to the neuron, and their accumulation leads to inflammation and degeneration of those neurons in the brain that over time contribute to Alzheimer’s dementia.”

“Evidence is building that sleep disturbances — like or disruptions in sleeping patterns — may increase risk of later life Alzheimer’s and dementia, or may even be an early sign of these diseases,” said Heather Snyder, PhD, the Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific operations.

“For people over 18, sleep quantity must be and has to be between 7 and 8 hours on a regular basis. This is the consensus recommendation for good health.”