Get Your ZZZZs

We all know how important it is to get the appropriate amount of sleep. But it may be more important than we realize.  According to an NPR story on January 4, 2016, Lack Of Deep Sleep May Set The Stage For Alzheimer’s, we need that deep sleep to help us fend off Alzheimer’s.  The story focuses on the work of the Oregon Health & Science University scientists. One of the scientists explains why this deep sleep is so important to us: “[t]he brain appears to clear out toxins linked to Alzheimer’s during sleep, [the scientist] explains. And, at least among research animals that don’t get enough solid shut-eye, those toxins can build up and damage the brain.”  The story notes that there is definitely a link between sleep and Alzheimer’s since many of those with Alzheimer’s have some kind of sleep disorder. The OHSU scientists are about to start a study of “that should clarify the link between sleep problems and Alzheimer’s disease in humans.”  The study described is fascinating (let’s just say it involves sleeping in an MRI) and will be so important.  Read more about the study here.  Now, take a nap!