Researchers have discovered a side effect of sleeping pills that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

A recent study by scientists has for the first time provided insight into how the brain removes waste during sleep without rest, highlighting the critical roles of norepinephrine, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in activating the glymphatic system. This system is essential for cleansing the body of toxic proteins such as amyloid and tau, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It has been found that a popular sleeping pill negatively impacts this process, reports Knowridge.

The findings of the study, published in the journal Cell, emphasize the restorative power of sleep, shedding light on its importance for long-term brain health. During sleep, the brain shifts its focus from processing external stimuli to internal maintenance, such as waste removal.

Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the study from the University of Rochester, believes that this self-cleaning mechanism may explain why sleep has a profound restorative effect. The research demonstrated that norepinephrine organizes synchronized slow waves, known as microarousals, during non-REM sleep phases.

These waves stimulate vasomotion, where blood vessels rhythmically constrict, facilitating the movement of CSF through the glymphatic system, effectively flushing out brain waste. To study the brains of freely moving mice, the scientists employed innovative research methods, marking a departure from previous studies that used anesthesia. Advanced techniques, including fiber photometry, allowed for a deeper understanding of the natural interaction between norepinephrine and glymphatic activity. According to Natalie Hauglund, the lead author of the study, these results have filled a significant gap in understanding the organ's nighttime activities.

The study also examined the effects of the popular sleeping pill zolpidem, uncovering potential risks. While the medication effectively induces sleep, it disrupts the natural fluctuations of norepinephrine, hindering the function of the glymphatic system. This disruption raises concerns among scientists regarding the long-term use of sleep aids, as they may impede the brain's cleansing process, potentially increasing the risk of neurological disorders.

Besides gaining a clearer understanding of the specific consequences of certain medications, the research paves the way for developing therapies aimed at modulating norepinephrine dynamics to enhance the quality of natural sleep without disrupting its restorative functions, according to the authors. Such an approach could benefit individuals with sleep disorders, offering solutions that protect brain health and ensure better nighttime rest.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a doctor.