Brainwashing in sleep

The Glymphatic system was first identified by Maiken Nedergaard's group.

This shows that the central nervous system has a unique waste removal mechanism that works prominently during the Slow-Wave Sleep.

Iliffe et al. (2012), Science Translational Medicine

Discovered that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates through the space between neurons.

To remove waste products such as Beta-Amyloid from the brain.

With Astrocytes and Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) as key navigators.

Later,

Xie et al. (2013), Science

Shows that during deep sleep,

The brain texture shrinks by about ~ 60%.

Open up more space for the cerebrospinal fluid to flow through.

This results in a significantly higher efficiency removal of Beta-Amyloid.

Ju et al. (2014), Annals of Neurology

Reports that deep sleep disturbances continue.

Relative to higher Beta-Amyloid levels in the human brain.

And increased risk of long-term thinking and memory impairment.

So sleeping "enough hours" is not equal to sleeping deep enough.

Because brainwashing occurs only in deep sleep.

When deep sleep disappears → the brain accumulates waste → the brain is inert, numb, easily tired → precocious.

Real rest is the opportunity for the brain to wash itself.

References (verifiable)

• Iliff, J.J., et al. (2012) .A paravascular pathway facilitates CSF flow through the brain parenchyma.Science Translational Medicine, 4 (147), 147ra111.

• Xie, L., et al. (2013). Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain. Science, 342 (6156), 373-377.

• Ju, Y.E.S., et al. (2014). Sleep and Alzheimer disease pathology - A bidirectional relationship. Annals of Neurology, 74 (6), 884-896.

• Plog, B.A., & Nedergaard, M. (2018). The Glymphatic System in Central Nervous System Health and Disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19, 53-64.