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.
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