Brain damaging habit 2 of 10: Sleep Deprivation

We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, but sleep is a remarkably productive time for our brain. Sleep allows the brain to rest from the day’s activity, repair itself and prepare for the next day’s activity.
Inside the skull, the brain sits in a clear fluid that acts as a buffer or cushion called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). During sleep, the space between brain cells expands significantly and more efficiently allows CSF flow between them. The CSF acts as a waste removal system for the brain as it facilitates the clearing of toxins generated throughout the day’s activity. The brain clears out toxins much more rapidly while we’re asleep than when we’re awake. These toxins include β-amyloid protein, a precursor for the plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease, and the very destructive free radicals (by-products of oxygen metabolism).

A habit of not getting enough sleep each night will therefore accelerate the death of brain cells. Plan on getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night. 

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