This Can Help Prevent Cognitive & Neurological Conditions, Experts Say
According to research from the American Neurological Association, sleep is crucial for preventing cognitive and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Studying the connection between sleep, brain waste, and neurological diseases, researchers have found that the glymphatic system plays a vital role in removing waste from the brain.
The glymphatic system works by bringing cerebrospinal fluid to the brain while we sleep, which removes protein waste products like tau proteins and amyloid beta.
How Sleep Affects the Glymphatic System
Researcher Maiken Nedergaard, MD, DMSc, presented her analysis on glymphatic system research as it relates to disease at the ANA annual meeting.
Nedergaard notes that there appears to be a bidirectional relationship between sleep and the glymphatic system, and neurological conditions.
Chronic stress and aging can worsen glymphatic function, predisposing individuals to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Improving Sleep for Better Health
Nedergaard emphasizes the importance of developing good sleep habits, including maintaining a consistent sleep/wake schedule and exercising regularly.
Exercising regularly can prime the body and brain for deep sleep, increasing sleep efficiency and duration.
Trying a quality sleep supplement with ingredients like magnesium and PharmaGABA can also help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
The Takeaway
The more we learn about sleep, the more it’s clear that it’s essential for our overall wellbeing, including brain health and preventing neurological conditions.
Getting enough nightly Zs is crucial for maintaining a healthy glymphatic system and preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s.
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