Sleep: The Brain’s Overnight Detox

We all know sleep is essential. It restores energy, repairs tissues, and helps us recover from a long day.

It regulates appetite, improves mood, sharpens mental clarity, and strengthens immune function. But one of the most fascinating roles of sleep is something you probably don’t think about: cleaning out the waste your brain accumulates throughout the day.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain generates waste as it works. Unlike other organs that rely on the lymphatic system for clean-up, the brain has its own unique system: the glymphatic system. This system only kicks into high gear while you sleep, flushing out toxins and waste products that, if left unchecked, can leave you feeling foggy and sluggish.

Here’s where it gets really interesting - when you sleep, your brain cells shrink by about 60%, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow more freely, carrying away the metabolic debris that builds up during the day.

Think of it as an overnight deep clean, ensuring your brain is fresh and ready to tackle another day.

Skipping sleep? That’s like leaving dirty dishes in the sink night after night - eventually, the mess piles up. Poor sleep can lead to brain fog, sluggish thinking, and reduced focus.

So, if you want to stay sharp, energized, and mentally strong, prioritising quality sleep isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and let your brain do what it does best: repair, reset, and refresh.

After all, a clean brain is a happy brain!