Importance Of Sleep In Neurological Health: Expert Explains How Sleep Disorders Affect the Brain

We all know that sleep is important for feeling refreshed, but did you know it’s also crucial for your brain’s health? When we sleep, our brains are busy doing essential tasks like organising memories and clearing out waste. If sleep gets disrupted—whether due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome—the effects can be far-reaching. We spoke to our expert Dr Prashant Makhija, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, who explained how sleep disorders affect brain health and what you can do to ensure you’re getting the restorative rest your brain needs.

“Sleep is fundamental to neurological health, impacting brain function and overall cognitive well-being. The brain relies on sleep for several crucial processes, including memory consolidation, neuroplasticity, and toxin clearance. Disruptions in sleep patterns, such as those seen in sleep disorders, can have profound effects on brain health and functionality,” said Dr Mukhija.

The Brain’s Restorative Processes During Sleep

During sleep, the brain engages in restorative processes that support cognitive functions and emotional regulation. Sleep stages, particularly Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, are crucial for consolidating memories and learning. 

“SWS facilitates the consolidation of declarative memory (facts and events), while REM sleep supports procedural memory (skills and habits) and emotional processing. Disrupted or insufficient sleep can impair these processes, leading to difficulties in learning, memory recall, and emotional stability,” said Dr Makhija.

According to a 2015 study, during sleep, the brain reorganises, rejuvenates, and eliminates toxic waste products that have built up throughout the day. This process helps to clear the brain and support its normal functioning.

Also Read: Sleep And Dementia: Expert Explains Impact Of Dementia On Sleep And How To Deal With It

Impact of Sleep Disorders on Brain Health

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, Obstructive Sleep Apneoa (OSA), and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), can significantly impact brain health. Insomnia, characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep, has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs executive functions, attention, and decision-making, exacerbating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

According to the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), in middle-aged adults without stroke or dementia, insufficient sleep duration is linked to worse neuroimaging brain health profiles. Since these neuroimaging indicators can appear years before stroke or dementia, these results align with other studies that suggest early interventions to address this modifiable risk factor.

Obstructive Sleep Apneoa

“OSA, marked by intermittent breathing pauses during sleep, is associated with increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and cognitive impairment. OSA can lead to fragmented sleep, reducing the quality of restorative sleep stages and contributing to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This inflammation can accelerate neuronal damage and cognitive decline,” added Dr Makhija.

Also Read: Sleep Aponea And ENT: Expert Shares Comprehensive Guide To Diagnosis And Treatment Options

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome, characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them, often disrupts sleep and can contribute to daytime fatigue and cognitive impairments. The constant interruption of sleep due to RLS affects the brain’s ability to process information and maintain emotional equilibrium.

Link Between Sleep and Neurodegenerative Diseases

“Moreover, chronic sleep disturbances have been shown to influence the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Poor sleep may exacerbate neurodegenerative conditions by impairing the brain’s ability to clear these harmful proteins,” added Dr Makhija. 

Bottomline

Dr Makhija concluded, “Sleep is vital for maintaining neurological health. Sleep disorders disrupt essential brain functions, leading to cognitive deficits, emotional instability, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Addressing sleep issues through appropriate medical and lifestyle interventions is crucial for protecting and enhancing brain health.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]