http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/10/18/236211811/brains-sweep-themselves-clean-of-toxins-during-sleep
People talk about how are bodies need sleep to repair and nocturnal dreams to work out emotional and mental issues as well as refresh the brain for clearer thinking the next day. But, what really happens? What are the chemical processes that make all that possible? Are we correct in thinking that all these things happen and are really necessary? If so, how do they happen? Researchers believe they are closer than ever to answering all those questions by studying a new system they have discovered called the Glymphatic System.
http://ens-newswire.com/2013/10/18/brain-cleans-itself-of-toxins-during-sleep/
Glymphatic System Definition
The glymphatic system is a recently defined brain-wide paravascular pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) exchange that facilitates efficient clearance of solutes and waste from the brain. CSF enters the brain along para-arterial channels to exchange with ISF, which is in turn cleared from the brain along para-venous pathways. ~ PebMed.gov
This system was recently discovered by contrast enhanced MRI (two-photon microscopy) testing. Researchers observed the contrast material flow through specific pathways of the brain removing waste. Usually, the lymphatic system would be in charge of removing waste but the brain is an area where lymphatics does not go. Therefore, the glymphatic system is made for the task.
It is believed that failure of this system, which would result in buildup of waste on neuronal synapses (plaque deposits), contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. The pathway works by an exchange of CSF (cerebral spinal fluid-fluid in the spine and brain) and ISF (interstitial fluid-fluid in between the cells). These fluids work in the same way blood does to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. ISF carries nutrients to cells and waste away from cells-same for CSF with the spine and brain. Researchers believe that this new progressive form of imaging with MRI may lead to a whole new approach to diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.
http://www.science.gov/topicpages/g/glymphatic+pathway+function.html
Other negative side affects of sleep deprivation listed by this WebMD link.
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss
So, we can actually avoid a whole lot of "bad days" and illness by consistently getting a good night's sleep!
Here is a video explanation of the Glymphatic System from the experts.
