Alzheimer’s disease occurs when a certain kind of protein, amyloid, builds up in the brain, where it forms clumps that collect between neurons, which in turn disrupt cell function. During proper, restorative sleep, these amyloid deposits get cleaned out of the brain through the action of the cerebrospinal fluid. When you’re sleep-deprived—either from short duration or poor-quality sleep—these amyloid deposits don’t get cleaned out, and they tend to selectively attack regions in the brain responsible for sleep, which then makes it even more difficult to sleep and, consequently, more difficult
...more
