Lack of Sleep and its Impact on Brain Function
- Sleep is essential for the brain’s glymphatic system to clear out metabolic waste
- It is a well known fact that researchers do not have an exact consensus on the purpose of sleep, however, many physiological processes occur during sleep and it has been hypothesized that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a large part in this process
- CSF is produced in the brain’s hollow spaces called ventricles and circulates throughout the brain to bathe it in nutrients
- When asleep, the glymphatic system actively and efficiently removes metabolic waste from the brain tissue
- Lack of sleep results in a traffic jam of metabolites inside the brain, leading to fatigue and low energy levels.
The Impact of Sleep on Memory Formation
- Sleep is an essential part of memory consolidation
- The hippocampus, located in the temporal lobe of the brain, plays a vital role in this process
- Well-rested individuals are more likely to perform better than those who are sleep-deprived
- Lack of sleep can lead to short-term memories fading away while long-term memories remain intact
- Getting a full night’s rest can help convert experiences and new information into long-term memories that can be used later on.