Sleep May Help Brain Clear Toxins Linked To Dementia Risk

Scientists say disrupted sleep could slow the brain’s waste disposal system, allowing harmful proteins to accumulate and potentially trigger cognitive decline. The brain uses a “glymphatic system” that becomes more active during sleep to flush out toxins. This system clears amyloid beta protein, which forms plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. One study found a single night without sleep increased amyloid beta levels in healthy adults’ brains. Sleep apnea and insomnia have both been linked to higher dementia risk. Research shows people treated for sleep apnea clear more amyloid beta from their brains afterward. However, scientists are still debating exactly how this cleaning process works. “We still don’t know if treating a sleep disorder…reduces the risk of dementia,” researchers note. The findings suggest quality sleep helps maintain brain health by removing toxic proteins. (Story URL)