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
Break Free from Back Pain NATURALLY
“I’m having lower back pain on both my left and right side. They have tried steroid injections, physical therapy, and dry needle injections and nothing seems to work. Any ideas that you might suggest?” —Still Aching Dear Aching, It’s incredibly frustrating when conventional pain treatments don’t provide the relief you’re seeking. When my patients struggle...
This Afternoon Beverage Break SLASHES Diabetes Risk
If you’re like most folks (and certain newsletter-writing doctors), you probably reach for another cup of coffee when the afternoon slump hits. Well, new research suggests switching your afternoon beverage choice could do more than keep you alert… it could shield you from type 2 diabetes. In fact, this simple drink swap could slash your...
The “Harmless” Additive DESTROYS Your Brain
Ever wonder why ice cream stays creamy in the freezer? Or why peanut butter doesn’t separate? The answer is emulsifiers—common food additives that manufacturers love. However, new research suggests these “harmless” ingredients could be causing serious brain damage. And they’re hiding in more foods than you can imagine… A disturbing new study published in Brain,...
One Move Adds 5 YEARS to Your Life
Believe it or not, the fountain of youth might be closer than you think… A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple activity you’ve been doing since you were a toddler could add YEARS to your life. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime… New research published in the British Journal of Sports...
Walking Trick Reveals Your Fitness Level
We count on doctors to tell us how healthy we are. They take our blood pressure, listen to our hearts, and send us out for blood work to get the answer. But there’s something else you can do anytime you want to know your fitness level: walk a mile. That’s right, this simple activity you...
This Diet Trick Could Protect Your Brain for LIFE
You know the saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, when it comes to your brain, it’s more accurate than you think… New research suggests that a Mediterranean diet—an ancient way of eating that prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense foods—may protect your brain’s white matter. And that’s a big deal because white matter is critical in keeping...
Mailbag: The REAL Reason You Can’t Lose Weight
“Why can’t I lose 10 pounds? I tried many versions of diets. Low Carb, intermittent fasting, etc.” Struggling to Slim Down Dear Struggling, Losing weight, especially when we’re past our 20s, can be frustrating. A muscle mass issue is most likely the culprit behind those struggles to slim down. You see, as we age, we...
Can Eating at the RIGHT Time Protect You from Diabetes?
When it comes to managing your health, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Now, a growing body of research shows that time-restricted eating (TRE), or intermittent fasting, may improve several markers of health… Particularly for people with metabolic syndrome. Before we dive into the benefits of time-restricted eating, let’s...
Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?
Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up). Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today. Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone. Our bodies are...
Sugary Drinks Fuel a Global Health Crisis
I don’t need to tell you that sugary drinks are the opposite of a health food. However, new research reveals just how harmful they really are. In fact, millions are being affected in disturbing ways that might shock you… A disturbing new study published in Nature Medicine has uncovered the devastating toll of sugar-sweetened beverages....