Study Questions Role of Sleep in Brain Detoxification

New findings indicate that brain toxin clearance is more efficient during wakefulness than sleep, contradicting long-held scientific beliefs.

New research challenges the theory that sleep aids in brain detoxification.
The study found that toxin clearance is reduced by 30% during sleep and 50% under anesthesia in mice.
Previous beliefs about the glymphatic system's role in sleep were based on indirect measurements.
The findings suggest that being awake and active may be more effective for brain toxin clearance.
Researchers aim to explore if these findings are applicable to humans and understand the underlying mechanisms.