The premise of a study to be conducted by brain scientists Jeffrey Iliff and his team at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland is leading them to caution people that sleep deprivation may put your brain at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, reported Tech Times on Thursday.
Iliff noted that during sleep, the brain gets rid of its toxins that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. In previous studies, scientists have found that animals that do not get enough sleep have a significant buildup of such toxins, causing severe brain damage.
The researchers believe that dementia and Alzheimer's disease caused parts of the brain responsible for sleep regulation to be removed. However, two new studies found that the link between sleep deprivation and Alzheimer's disease may be more complex.
According to AOL News on Monday, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis presented in 2009 that sticky amyloid plaques linked with Alzheimer's disease accumulate more rapidly in the brains of mice with sleep deprivation.
Then in 2013, another team, which also included Iliff, found how sleep deprivation increased the development of the amyloid plaques.
"The fluid that's normally on the outside of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid - it's a clean, clear fluid - it actually begins to recirculate back into and through the brain along the outsides of blood vessels," explained Iliff.
The process, ushered by the glymphatic system, enables the brain to remove toxins, including toxins that form Alzheimer's plaques.
The Oregon researchers are preparing to conduct the study that links sleep deprivation with Alzheimer's disease in humans soon.
Meanwhile, Tech Times also listed a few natural remedies to promote sleep.
According to the publication, calcium and magnesium are minerals that stimulates sleep. Taking 30 to 120 milligrams of Hops flower's extract or wild-lettuce supplement could give a calming effect to a person, which also aids in sleeping.
Aromatherapy using lavender, Roman chamomile or clary sage oils not only helps you sleep faster, but for longer periods of time as well.
Lastly, performing yoga exercises or meditation can help the body relax, while preparing the muscles for sleep.
