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By Austin Perlmutter, MD
We’ve all experienced what it’s like to be short on sleep. Whether it’s a night cut short by a very early morning awakening, one punctuated by frequent waking, or even a night of sleep skipped altogether, there are any number of things that can get in the way of the recommended 7-9 hours of restful slumber. But while we may feel a bit groggy, slow and otherwise fatigued after sleep loss, recent research suggests that there are a few specific effects on the brain worth knowing.
In a just-published 2023 paper, researchers examined the effects of sleep deprivation on markers of brain aging using MRI scanners. Using previously published data, the scientists compared brain aging scores between different groups of young people and found that those experiencing a sleep deprivation of at least 24 hours showed brain scans equivalent to 1-2 years of brain aging. On a positive note, they found that these changes were reversed after a good night’s sleep.
One of the most fascinating breakthroughs in neuroscience over the last decades relates to the discovery of the glymphatic system, a network of channels in the brain that allow for clearance of brain waste. If that wasn’t enough, it turns out that this system is more active during sleep and especially deep sleep (non-REM). To take this one step further, a paper published in the journal Science found that clearance of waste occurs in a wave-like pattern that is synchronized with the firing of neurons and with blood flow.
It’s clear that research like the studies above will continue to reveal the hidden effects of sleep loss on the brain. Beyond the well-known links to increased risk for mental health issues, dementia, worse decision-making and poor focus, these new mechanisms speak to the vital importance of prioritizing good sleep each night. Luckily, simple and science backed ways to improve sleep quality are available to all of us.
Adapted from: https://www.austinperlmutter.com/post/howsleep-loss-hurts-your-brain. Accessed on: August 10th, 2023.
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