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SLEEP MAKES YOU SMARTER
ow complex is your brain? That’s easy. Your brain has 25 times more cells than there are people in the world, and each of these cells is connected physically to up to 10,000 other cells. What a network! The network is constantly changing, remodeling and self- improving. But it requires an awful lot of upkeep. Brains boast an estimated 86 billion nerve cells called neurons, and an equal number of supporting glial cells that hold it all in place. Glia is the Greek word for glue, and while it was first thought glial cells merely hold the neurons together, we now know these fatty little beasties with names like astrocytes and Schwann cells are very, very hard working and active. They support, manage and maintain
the vast networks of neurons in the Central Nervous System. If the glia is injured, as occurs in multiple sclerosis, the nervous system runs suboptimally. Neurons are your basic nerve cells. They interconnect and stimulate each other via small molecules called neurotransmitters that jump from cell to cell like biting fleas from one dog to another, stimulating the receiver. The supporting neuroglial cells make insulating lipid tissue called myelin that enrobes the neurons, like insulation around a copper wire. Myelin ensures accurate and precise transmission of the impulses throughout your brain and entire nervous system. No sudden crashes (or seizures) when the glial system is working the brain’s computer effectively. Sleep and nutrition greatly affect brain growth and function. The importance of sleep in brain health cannot
be overemphasized. Sleep allows cells to do their physical revisions and maintenance. During the waking state, a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline maintains arousal. While awake, neurons are firing, burning up glucose and wearing themselves out. But as soon as you slip into the sleep state, the glial system springs into action to gobble up debris from fatigued cells. Glial cells neutralize free radicals and refurbish energy stores for tomorrow’s activity. Result next morning: - I can take on the world today!
number and quality of brain connections. Learning makes new nerves and new pathways in old nerves. Learning a language, learning a song, practising math - all measurably affect brain structure. That ability of the brain to rework and improve itself is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the term for how brains change, learn and heal. Sleep is so important to the brain’s function that major diseases like schizophrenia, dementia and autism are influenced by poor glial function during sleep.
Sleep is when your memories are made. Sleep is when learning is consolidated. Learning, in turn, refines the
Dr Bill Nielsen has been practising in Duncan for thirty years
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