Nightly "Brainwashing" Protects Your Memory
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 9, 2025
Think skipping sleep is no big deal?
Think again.
Groundbreaking research reveals that deep sleep does more than just help you feel refreshed. Another CRITICAL memory-preserving process is taking place behind the scenes.
But here’s the concerning part…
If you’re taking a sleeping pill, you might be blocking this crucial step.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your memory and drive down dementia risk…
According to new research published in the journal Cell, scientists have uncovered something remarkable about what happens during deep sleep.
Every night, your brain undergoes a powerful cleaning process that washes toxic waste from your brain which researchers call “brainwashing.”
Here’s what the study uncovered…
During deep sleep, your brain releases norepinephrine, a brain chemical that creates rhythmic contractions in your blood vessels. This “squeeze and release” motion helps push fluid through your brain, washing away toxic buildup from your busy day.
The glymphatic system serves as your brain’s personal maintenance crew, sweeping away harmful proteins that could otherwise form sticky plaques linked to memory problems and cognitive decline.
But here’s what’s really worrying…
The researchers found that common sleep medications like zolpidem (Ambien) might be interfering with this crucial process. In fact, these medications can reduce the brain’s cleaning waves up to 30 percent!
In other words, the very pills people take to help them get restorative sleep might be preventing their brain from the deep clean it desperately needs.
This is a problem because more folks than ever are using sleep medications and they assume these pills provide the same benefits as natural sleep (they do not!).
Your brain’s cleaning process is essential for long-term brain health, as toxic protein buildup has been linked to serious neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
So, what can you do to protect your brain’s nightly cleaning cycle?
Start here:
- Adopt natural sleep-supporting habits and ditch the sleep meds.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (even on the weekends).
- Create a dark, quiet sleep environment.
- Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
- Exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime).
- Use natural sleep-supporting supplements that don’t harm your brain, such as valerian root or chamomile tea.
Remember, there’s no substitute for natural, deep sleep when it comes to brain health. Your brain needs this nightly “brainwash” to keep running at its best.
P.S. Discover why age STEALS your sleep and how to take it back.
Source:
Hauglund, Natalie L. et al., Norepinephrine-mediated slow vasomotion drives glymphatic clearance during sleep, Cell, Online: January 08, 2025
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works? Thank you,” Sneezy and Allergic Hi Sneezy, It’s...
Eat 23 of These Daily to SLASH Heart Risk [DELICIOUS!]
When it comes to heart health, we’re constantly told what we need to cut out. You know the drill—ditch the salt, dump the sugar, and avoid the processed foods. But what if I told you that adding something to your diet could be just as effective for protecting your heart? A comprehensive new scientific analysis...
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...
20-Minute AM Hack Will Revolutionize How You Wake Up
If you feel like you’re in a fog for the first hour after your alarm goes off, you’re not alone. Mornings can be rough. That groggy, disoriented feeling isn’t just annoying—it’s a real physiological phenomenon called “sleep inertia.” And it can drag on for up to two hours after waking, even if you’ve had a...