Quality Sleep and Alzheimer’s Prevention

Researchers have made new and important discoveries pertaining to Alzheimer’s and Dementia prevention. Numerous contributing factors have been identified, meaning that we actually have more control over the fate of our brains than previously believed.
One recent discovery involves the importance of quality sleep. Researchers have learned that during sleep, the flow of clear cerebrospinal fluid in the brain increases significantly. This fluid washes away harmful waste proteins that build up between brain cells during waking hours. Researchers have discovered that wastes are forcefully pushed through the brain during sleep, and are eliminated. This waste elimination system is referred to as the “glymphatic system.” This “glymphatic system” operates much like how the lymph system removes waste in other organs. But with the “glymphatic system”, the clear cerebrospinal fluid washes the brain, and removes a waste product named beta amyloid. This is the protein that forms the sticky plaques found in brains affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Because this “washing” system occurs every night, it is very important that we experience good quality sleep. Medications, LED lights, alcohol, stress, and other factors negatively affect our sleep quality. Exposure to even small amounts of light from a television, computer, tablet, or smartphone can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Additionally, about 95 percent of Americans use an electronic device within one hour of going to sleep, which causes significant problems in sleep quality. Sleeping next to your smartphone, and being exposed to 3G and 4G signals all night, has been found to affect brain patterns. Researchers have found that this can restructure brain cells and may prevent the brain from cleaning out waste materials properly. Sleep apnea is another contributing factor to poor sleep, and leads to an ineffective brain-waste elimination system.
Everyone should take their sleep quality very seriously. Our brains and glymphatic system work hard during deep sleep, removing waste and beta amyloid proteins. Our modern lifestyle is detrimental to our sleep patterns, and our brains. Trade in the brain destructive high-tech gadgets, sleep medications, and stress for sleep enhancing alternatives: herbal teas, warm baths, old fashioned books, mediation, soothing music, etc. It’s time to naturally enhance our sleep quality, so we give our brains every advantage possible.
For an appointment, please call the McNamara Law Firm at 661-287-3260, or visit www.theMcNamaraLawFirm.com.