Sleep deprivation : What happened About The Brain ?

     Sleep consumes one-third of our lives, yet its importance is often overlooked. In reality, sleep is critical for our overall health and well-being. Beyond its role in bodily balance and repair, sleep is essential for optimal health. Insufficient or disturbed sleep not only affects the body but also profoundly impacts the brain.

What Happens to the Brain with Insomnia?

1.  Shortened Memory and Lack of Concentration

     The brain processes memories during sleep, transferring short-term memories into long-term storage, which is crucial for retaining information. Prolonged sleep deprivation hinders the brain's ability to acquire new memories and impairs concentration.

2.  Inability to Clear Brain Toxins

     During sleep, the brain naturally clears accumulated toxins. One such toxin removed is Beta-Amyloid, a protein harmful to the body and implicated in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

3.  Increased Risk of Cerebral Infarction

     Studies indicate that sleeping less than 6 hours per day increases the risk of cerebral infarction (stroke due to blood clot) by 4.5 times compared to those who sleep 7-8 hours. This is attributed to the brain's impaired ability to eliminate waste products.

4.  Persistent Drowsiness

     Every cell in the body is active during wakefulness, constantly metabolizing energy. A byproduct of this energy expenditure is adenosine. The more adenosine accumulates in the brain, the drowsier we become. Chronic sleep deprivation can also elevate the risk of developing other health conditions.

Summary

     If you consistently experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, you might have an underlying sleep disorder. It is advisable to consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment, as persistent insomnia is a serious condition that can pose life-threatening risks.

Revised:

December 07, 2023