January 7, 2014
A good night’s sleep is important. It helps the body rest so that it will be fresh and ready to go the next day. However, sleep may also help the brain flush out toxins that are associated with neurodegeneration. During tests on mice, researchers showed for the first time that the space between brain cells may increase during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins that build up during waking hours.
Study results show that during sleep the glymphatic system, which helps control the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, may open, letting fluid flow rapidly through the brain.
Check out this article from Science Daily to learn more.