This series of workshops are for people who are concerned about, or experiencing memory challenges and their caregivers. Each week’s topic is designed to explore and enhance our understanding of what might affect our ability to remember, what our individual experiences are, as well as strategies and resources.
We used to think that sleep was a passive event. Now we know that sleep affects our daily functioning and physical and mental health in many ways that we are just beginning to understand. We are living longer, and statistics indicate a challenge; while we are healthier in many ways, the rising frequency of the symptoms of early dementia are concerning. “Too little sleep or not enough restorative sleep can seriously affect the way we think, behave, form memories and perform at work and school,” explains Dr. Merrill Mitler, program director for sleep research at NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” So how does the brain achieve ‘restoration’? Jeff Iliff neuroscientist/researcher speaks to this in his 2014 YouTube TED TALK: “One more reason to get a good night’s sleep”: We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, but it is not clear why the body needs it. 2,000 years ago it was proposed by Galen that the brain sent fluids around the body, and that these were returned to the brain during sleep to rejuvenate it. The idea seems ludicrous today, but Iliff suggests looking further into how the brain solves some key functions. Electrical brain activity could account for our need of sleep as the brain uses 25% of our energy while occupying only 2% of our mass. Vital nutrient intake is satisfied in the brain by the network of blood vessels surrounding and throughout it. In most organs waste disposal utilizes the lymphatic system to deliver waste generated by cell activity to the bloodstream, yet there is no lymphatic system in the brain to perform this function. Iliff’s group research revealed that the brain actually has an elegant, beautiful and ingenious solution. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulates around the brain and is pumped along the outside of blood vessels to clean and penetrate deeper into the brain wherever blood vessels are, thus clearing the waste from the cells and into the blood system. Another astounding finding however, was that this action only happens while we sleep. During sleep the brain cells contract, to open up spaces between them and let the CSF flow more easily. Ironically, this idea of fluid rushing through the brain is similar to Galen’s ideas thousands of years ago. One of the many wastes that is generated and of interest here is Amyloid Beta, a protein which is made all the time and requires removal. An inability to clear this away is thought to be a factor contributing to Alzheimers disease. Studies have found that a decrease in sleep is associated with an increase in Amyloid Beta in the brain. While our body sleeps, our brain never rests. It is busily cleaning, refreshing, and possibly preventing serious issues later. By more understanding of these housekeeping functions today, we may be able to prevent serious diseases of the mind tomorrow. What affects your ability to feel rested? What are your tips for getting a good night’s sleep? Do you talk with friends about what makes a difference for you, for them? If you are experiencing sleep disruption that is affecting your health, it’s good to talk with your doctor. Watch our TIPS from TAPS column in October with ideas we shared as a group. If you have access to a computer, you can also check on our Valley Community Services website following the links to seniors’ services and our Moving Along Together program where you can find more resources on our topics.
We used to think that sleep was a passive event. Now we know that sleep affects our daily functioning and physical and mental health in many ways that we are just beginning to understand. We are living longer, and statistics indicate a challenge; while we are healthier in many ways, the rising frequency of the symptoms of early dementia are concerning. “Too little sleep or not enough restorative sleep can seriously affect the way we think, behave, form memories and perform at work and school,” explains Dr. Merrill Mitler, program director for sleep research at NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” So how does the brain achieve ‘restoration’? Jeff Iliff neuroscientist/researcher speaks to this in his 2014 YouTube TED TALK: “One more reason to get a good night’s sleep”: We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, but it is not clear why the body needs it. 2,000 years ago it was proposed by Galen that the brain sent fluids around the body, and that these were returned to the brain during sleep to rejuvenate it. The idea seems ludicrous today, but Iliff suggests looking further into how the brain solves some key functions. Electrical brain activity could account for our need of sleep as the brain uses 25% of our energy while occupying only 2% of our mass. Vital nutrient intake is satisfied in the brain by the network of blood vessels surrounding and throughout it. In most organs waste disposal utilizes the lymphatic system to deliver waste generated by cell activity to the bloodstream, yet there is no lymphatic system in the brain to perform this function. Iliff’s group research revealed that the brain actually has an elegant, beautiful and ingenious solution. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulates around the brain and is pumped along the outside of blood vessels to clean and penetrate deeper into the brain wherever blood vessels are, thus clearing the waste from the cells and into the blood system. Another astounding finding however, was that this action only happens while we sleep. During sleep the brain cells contract, to open up spaces between them and let the CSF flow more easily. Ironically, this idea of fluid rushing through the brain is similar to Galen’s ideas thousands of years ago. One of the many wastes that is generated and of interest here is Amyloid Beta, a protein which is made all the time and requires removal. An inability to clear this away is thought to be a factor contributing to Alzheimers disease. Studies have found that a decrease in sleep is associated with an increase in Amyloid Beta in the brain. While our body sleeps, our brain never rests. It is busily cleaning, refreshing, and possibly preventing serious issues later. By more understanding of these housekeeping functions today, we may be able to prevent serious diseases of the mind tomorrow. What affects your ability to feel rested? What are your tips for getting a good night’s sleep? Do you talk with friends about what makes a difference for you, for them? If you are experiencing sleep disruption that is affecting your health, it’s good to talk with your doctor. Watch our TIPS from TAPS column in October with ideas we shared as a group. If you have access to a computer, you can also check on our Valley Community Services website following the links to seniors’ services and our Moving Along Together program where you can find more resources on our topics.
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