Your brain’s in a fog. You’re staring at the computer screen, trying to remember something—but you can’t even remember why you’re trying to remember it. You're hunched, slack-jawed. What’s going on? Is this some kind of dementia? Alzheimer’s?
No, you’re just tired. It’s 1:30 in the morning, and you’ve had a rough day. You were up early, traffic was a nightmare, and work seemed to take forever. You went to dinner with some friends, which got you home late, and now you’re up past your bed time, trying to get a few things done online before finally hitting the hay.
You take your hand off the mouse, turn off the monitor, and wander, bleary-eyed, into bed. You’re asleep before your head even hits the pillow. And the next day… you’re fine. Maybe a bit groggy, but that clears right up. Your brain is yours again, ready to face challenges head-on.
Some people can get by on just a few hours sleep. Some are useless unless they get their full eight. Everybody’s different, but everybody does sleep. It’s more essential than food, and when we’re tired, even more compelling than thirst. Scientists still aren’t sure why sleep is such a necessary part of human existence.
But they’re one step closer to finding. Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, studying the brains of mice, has discovered that sleep allows for the flushing of built-up proteins. These proteins may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
It seems that when we’re asleep, not only do brains create far fewer of these proteins, but lower brain activity allows more room for spinal fluid to wash through, removing toxins.
Brushing your teeth every day, taking a shower, getting a good night’s rest—these are all ways of staying clean and healthy.
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