- The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health
- Sleep Cycles: REM and Non-REM
- The Process of Toxin Elimination
- Memory, Learning, and Cognitive Flexibility
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The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health
Every night, when we close our eyes and surrender to sleep, our body enters a state of rest. However, inside our head, the brain remains surprisingly active.
This organ, which is the center of our conscious being, embarks on a complex journey of renewal, learning, and processing that is vital for our health and well-being.
Sleep is essential for human survival, as much as food and water. Without it, the brain cannot form or maintain the connections necessary for learning and remembering.
I wake up at 3 am and can't go back to sleep: what should I do.
Sleep Cycles: REM and Non-REM
The human sleep cycle is divided into two basic types: non-REM sleep (rapid eye movement) and REM sleep (rapid eye movement).
During the non-REM sleep phases, the body prepares for deep rest, with a decrease in brain activity and relaxation of the muscles.
In contrast, REM sleep is the time when brain activity most closely resembles that observed during wakefulness. In this phase, most dreams occur, and the brain processes and interprets emotions and experiences.
The Process of Toxin Elimination
One of the most surprising functions of sleep is its role in the elimination of toxins from the brain. During deep sleep, the brain performs a "washing" with cerebrospinal fluid and blood, helping to remove harmful byproducts that accumulate during the day.
This process is fundamental to
prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer. Science has shown that sleep quality directly influences brain health and, consequently, our quality of life.
Memory, Learning, and Cognitive Flexibility
El sueño no solo ayuda a aprender nuevas habilidades, sino que también facilita el proceso de “desaprendizaje”.
During deep non-REM sleep, the brain forms new memories and suppresses those that are not necessary, maintaining the flexibility of neural connections.
This highlights the importance of restorative sleep in memory consolidation and the brain's adaptability. Although there are still unanswered questions about sleep, one thing is certain: it is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life.
The next time you go to bed, remember that while you rest, your brain continues to work hard to keep everything in order.
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