francene--blog. Year 2013
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Oct 19th

10/19/2013

 
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A US team of researchers report that sleep cleans the brain. Brain cells shrink during sleep to open up the gaps between neurons and allow fluid to wash the brain clean. They also suggest that failing to clear away some toxic proteins may play a role in brain disorders, which makes it a vital function for staying alive.

The findings build on last year's discovery of the brain's own network of plumbing pipes - known as the glymphatic system, which carry waste material out of the brain. In tests on mice, the glymphatic system became 10-times more active when they were asleep.

I didn't realize the brain needed cleaning. I don't know how toxins build up there either. Probably on a 'need to know' basis.


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One big question for sleep researchers is why do animals sleep at all when it leaves them vulnerable to predators? Apparently, the brain can't do the housework and function at the same time—it has to choose.  But some people don't sleep well, for so many reasons.

My husband remains awake for most of the night, getting up, flinging himself back into bed only to experience bad dreams. I have no idea why he is so restless, whereas I sleep peacefully. Maybe we were born that way. I must assure you that his sleeplessness doesn't affect his behavior during the day. He's active and bright—much better than me.

And what about all the homeless people in the world? Apart from being excluded from the rest of society, they can't sleep well. They must be cold and uncomfortable as well as in danger and vulnerable. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to live a lonely life without a proper home.


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This brings up the inhuman punishment of solitary confinement. Some prisoners spend years without human contact. Recently, the murder conviction of a prisoner who has spent 41 years in solitary confinement has been overturned by a judge in the US state of Louisiana. What a cruel way to reprimand a human being.

Loneliness is on the increase for a variety of reasons, mostly because of the changing nature of society with families becoming split up as children move away. Nearly half of adults in the UK experience loneliness. That's a shocking figure, and seems to have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Those particularly targeted are the elderly, with most reporting television as their best friend. Maybe sleep gives them comfort.

I leave you with a few words from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet.

' To sleep, perchance to Dream; Aye, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil ...'




Kama link
10/18/2013 08:00:25 pm

I truly believe that a lack of sleep can send us in to a downward spiral of health issues, bad moods, and lack of creativity. Just this past week I have not slept properly due to noisy neighbours. The lack of sleep has left me feeling drained, lazy and a bit negative about the week gone by. I never normally feel this way. Sleep helps us process our days, cope with emotions and find renewed energy to cope with another day. There is a lot to be said for a good nights sleep. I wonder after reading your post, do we take enough consideration to the power of sleep?

Francene Stanley link
10/18/2013 11:05:45 pm

Well put, Kama. I wouldn't be without my sleep. I'd rather have more than less. I'm sure it helps me remain positive.

Paula Eder link
10/18/2013 08:11:59 pm

I so agree about the importance of sleep - to our minds, bodies, AND spirits! I loved your expansive and informative post, and the personal touches that you added, reflecting on your own life. Well done - and great use of images!

Francene Stanley link
10/18/2013 11:06:54 pm

Thank you so much, Paula. A pinch of appreciation goes a long way.

Phebe Bodelle
10/18/2013 08:30:40 pm

Society has changed radically over the last twenty years or so and a government minister actually stated last week (fifteen years too late in my opinion) that a lot of societies ills are due to the breakup of the family unit and this includes visiting elderly relatives who are plauged with loneliness. Modern society needs to turn back the clock and forget all the liberal attitudes that abound. Discipline, respect, courtesy all need to be returned to our world, but I won't hold my breath.

Francene Stanley link
10/18/2013 11:09:15 pm

You're right, Phebe. Take the Chinese society, for example. The elders remain with the family and contribute with childcare as long as they are able. I so wish we followed this practice. Modern society is all about me, me, me.

Tamsin link
10/18/2013 09:14:59 pm

I definitely need my sleep. A few nights with reduced hours of sleep and I'm not the happiest bunny! Time out and recharge are vital!

Francene Stanley link
10/18/2013 11:10:11 pm

You're wise enough to know the importance of sleep.

Amy link
10/18/2013 10:56:00 pm

Anybody who is deprived of sleep for extended periods would agree wholeheartedly that the brain and the body desperately need sleep. And why somebody (your husband) wouldn't sleep well is such a complicated issue: dopamine, exercise, excess caffeine, stress, etc, can all contribute to sleep or lack of it. Great post, Francene, now I think I need to go back to bed!

Sophie Bowns link
10/19/2013 04:43:13 am

Lack of sleep always has a bad effect on my brain and the way that I work etc. I have to admit that I am not the best sleeper and rarely sleep all the way through the night!

Amy Putkonen link
10/19/2013 10:43:50 pm

Wow, Francene. This is very interesting! I work in technical support and I always laugh and say that my brain dumps over the weekend. I can totally see how it could dump at night too! I thought your comments on homelessness and loneliness were very thoughtful. It is good to think about such things. I am visiting from the UBC. I will definitely come back to your blog! It's great.

Susie Brown link
10/22/2013 03:25:38 am

Great article. Sleep has always been an issue for me. I guess my brain is fighting getting a bath. :/


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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