We already knew that microglia function better during sleep. What we’ve recently learned is that the glymphatic system—also known as the brain’s self-washing system—works most effectively during non-REM sleep. When the blood-brain barrier doesn’t function properly, as seen in…
“We already knew that microglia function better during sleep. What we’ve recently learned is that the glymphatic system—also known as the brain’s self-washing system—works most effectively during non-REM sleep. When the blood-brain barrier doesn’t function properly, as seen in COVID-related conditions, toxins accumulate in the brain. Without proper sleep, these toxins cannot be effectively flushed out. Long COVID further disrupts sleep, and poor sleep causes even more damage. Ensuring better sleep for patients should be a priority.”