In a new study, published in the journal Science Advances this Wednesday, February 27, researchers are trying to explain the links between the aging, the sleep deprivation and the increased risk of being with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (USA) have finally discovered that the depth of sleep affects our brains’ ability to effectively eliminate toxic waste and proteins. The deeper the sleep, the more optimal the functioning of this system would be.
Proteins toxic to the brain
To understand what this is due to, let’s explain how the glymphatic system, the “plumbing” responsible for cleaning the brain. Because if toxic substances accumulated, they would disrupt the functions of the organ by destroying neurons. The function of the system is therefore, by grafting itself on the blood vessels, to pump the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through brain tissue. The whole thing, to evacuate the waste. It mainly works while we are sleeping.
In addition, the accumulation of certain toxic proteins in the brain has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. This is why the researchers hypothesized that the deterioration of the glymphatic system, due to sleep disturbance, could be a factor in the disease.
Deep sleep, optimal for the glymphatic system
The scientists therefore followed the electrical activity of the brain, the cardiovascular activity and the flow of purification of the CSF of anesthetized mice. Six different formulas were used to put them to sleep. The team observed that a combination of drugs, ketamine and xylazine (K / X), most faithfully mimicked non-REM deep sleep (slow, regular electrical activity and heart rate). They also found that electrical activity in the brains of sleeping rodents at K / X appeared to be optimal for the functioning of the glymphatic system.
As we get older, it becomes more and more difficult to systematically fall into deep sleep. However, the study here reinforces the importance of this depth for cleaning toxic substances in the brain. “These findings add to the growing evidence that sleep quality or sleep deprivation can predict the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”, conclude the researchers in a press release.
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