During sleep, the brain detoxifies - sleeping disorders reduce the process

Expert lectures at the Pharmacon Congress on Sleep Disorders

There are numerous sleep disorders as well as varied recommendations for possible treatments. More than half of adults in Germany would like a more restful sleep. Regularly too little sleep, or a sleep disorder, can have health consequences. Those who sleep less have an increased risk of metabolic or cardiovascular disease. But not always it is an actual sleep disorder. Professor Hans Förstl from the Rechts der Isar Hospital in Munich reported on the latest findings in sleep research at the "Pharmacon Congress" in Schladming.

Förstl reports in his presentation that age-related changes in sleep occur in every human being. This is not a cause for concern. Studies have shown that the sleep stages switch between light sleep and deep sleep phases. In between are the REM phases (rapid eye movement). These sleep phases are responsible for recovery and regeneration. In infants, half of bedtime is characterized by this phase. With increasing age, this phase decreases. According to Förstl, sleeping sufficiently long is not just about well-being. The central nervous system performs extensive and very effective detoxification processes in these phases.

Sleep is not just for rest, it also detoxifies the brain. People sleep worse with age, according to experts to some extent normal. (Image: fizkes / fotolia.com)

How sleep detoxifies the brain

According to Förstl, the spaces between the cells in the brain filled with brain water are responsible for the natural detoxification process. These rooms would expand in deep sleep. As a result, metabolites that are no longer needed can be released from the brain tissue into the veins of the brain at twice the speed, where they are then transported away. This is a possible explanation that healthy sleep can prevent dementia in old age.

When does bad sleep become a sleep disorder?

"Many patients complain of poor sleep in the pharmacy," writes the Federal Association of German Pharmacists Associations (ABDA) in a press release to the previous day. This is also due to the fact that especially older people overestimate their own need for sleep. A sleep disorder requiring treatment is, however, only present if sleep disorders or insomnia persists for at least three nights per week for at least three months and this affects patients during the day.

Beware of sleeping pills and sedatives

In his presentation, Förstl warns against long-term use of sleeping pills and tranquilizers. They would rather have an anesthetic effect and not promote sound sleep. Under these conditions, no detoxifying effect of sleep on the brain is to be expected. Also, the addictive potential, especially in benzodiazepines and so-called Z-substances, is great. "These compounds interfere with sleep architecture and prevent debris from cleaning the brain," explains the expert. Förstl claims to have made positive clinical experiences in the treatment of sleep disorders with the medications quetiapine and mirtazapine.

Suitable measures for sleep disorders

The current guideline on the subject of sleep disorders of the German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine (DGSM) recommends a detailed sleep medicine consultation and behavioral therapy. Before, however, a thorough diagnosis is important to determine where the individual sleep problems come from. Förstl advises in his lecture: "The bed is only for sleeping." It should not be used for watching TV or playing on the smartphone, otherwise it would lose its role as a habitual place of rest and sleep.

People with poor job qualifications are particularly vulnerable

According to Förstl, people with poor professional qualifications and insecure positions are particularly susceptible to sleep disorders. Even people who are constantly available, are among the risk group to count. The less qualified and weaker a person is, the worse he sleeps. For workers, sleep disorders would be more common than for academics. Föstl also warns against a vicious circle: "Sleep disorders make you fat and those who try to get a grip on them with one to three wheat beer in the evening or herb schnapps make it even worse." (Vb)