During sleep, the brain works intensely. It removes toxins responsible for diseases.
The brain consistently fascinates and surprises experts. Recently, scientists observed a previously unknown way in which neurons cleanse it of toxins. This is valuable information for our health.
Much has already been written about sleep hygiene. Among the health benefits of regularly getting enough sleep are: regeneration of the motor system, improvement of metabolic functions in the body, and reduction of overall tension. However, there are many more benefits, as reminded by one of the recent studies.
What does the brain do during sleep?
Brain cells are responsible for our thoughts, feelings, and movements. They also form complex networks that allow us to memorize information and solve problems. It sounds like a lot to do, considering neurons are tiny. They need appropriate amounts of fuel for such energy-consuming tasks. However, when they consume nutrients from the diet, metabolic waste is produced. And this is where the need for brain cleansing arises.
The authors of an article published in the prestigious scientific journal “Nature” found that during sleep, the brain is not in a state of rest but actively works. And it’s not just about dreaming. Special brain waves play a crucial role in the regeneration of the central nervous system. They facilitate brain cleansing by flushing out toxins. This discovery draws attention to the process in which synchronized neuron activity drives the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, effectively removing metabolic waste and potential toxins causing neurodegenerative diseases.
That’s how neurons work. Complete harmony!
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis discovered that during sleep, individual nerve cells coordinate their actions. In this way, they generate rhythmic waves that transport cerebrospinal fluid through the dense brain tissue, flushing it in the process.
Dr. Li-Feng Jiang-Xie explains that neurons act like miniature pumps. This knowledge opens up new possibilities for improving brain cleansing processes to combat neurological diseases.
“If we can harness this process, there is a possibility of delaying or even preventing neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In these cases, excess waste — such as metabolic products and junk proteins — accumulates in the brain and leads to neurodegeneration,” adds Jiang-Xie, the lead author of the study.
Why is brain cleansing so important?
Scientists admit they knew that the brain initiates the cleansing process during sleep. However, they had no idea what it looked like. And although the latest discovery may help them develop potential therapies to accelerate the removal of harmful waste, brain cleansing is not easy. Cerebrospinal fluid passes through intricate cellular networks. After leaving the brain with waste, it must pass through a barrier before flowing into the lymphatic vessels in the dura mater — the outer layer of tissue surrounding the brain beneath the skull.
Brain wave patterns change during sleep phases. It is worth noting that higher brain waves with greater amplitude push the fluid with greater force. In further research, scientists want to determine why neurons emit waves with different rhythms during sleep and which areas of the brain are most susceptible to waste accumulation.
“We believe that the brain cleaning process is similar to doing the dishes […] Perhaps the brain adjusts its cleaning method depending on the type and amount of waste,” explains neurobiologist Jiang-Xie.
Sleep is, of course, not the only way to take care of the proper functioning of our brains. Exercise is also important. According to experts, even moderate but regular physical exercise can improve learning and memory abilities. Scientists claim that training increases the volume of the brain region responsible for these skills.
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