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
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...