What happens when you stop drinking alcohol? Pretty much everything you’d expect—and also plenty that you might not.

Like, better sleep, less anxiety, and a clearer head, for one. And, glowier skin, hotter sex, and maybe even more connected relationships as well. But that’s not all: Recent studies show that the list of social, psychological, and physical benefits of teetotaling is ever-growing. It includes everything from more balanced hormones to a stronger immune system to reduced risks of heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. Plus, the potential of increased self-awareness, self-confidence, and higher self-esteem, too. As one doctor I recently interviewed put it, when you quit alcohol, “your entire body and soul improves.”

But swapping our evening glass of red wine for non-alcoholic spritzes and mocktails isn’t always super easy to do—even if you don’t officially struggle with an alcohol use disorder. That’s because alcohol is literally everywhere; its consumption is ingrained in our culture and societal norms. “Alcohol is the only socially-accepted mind-altering beverage in the world,” says Dr. Rafaat Girgis, a triple-board certified psychologist and the medical director at Moment of Clarity, a mental health treatment center in Orange County, California. “It’s served at parties, during meals, and on holidays; for most people, it’s just a part of daily life.” Which is why taking even just a short break for Dry January or Sober October—not to mention, quitting long-term—can often feel like it requires heroic levels of discipline.

One way to make it all a little easier: having a firm understanding of when you can expect to experience all the benefits. Anticipating everything that can occur after one day, one week, one month, and beyond can help you stay connected with the positive changes as they unfold— and remind you to give yourself some grace when temptations emerge. “Getting your body back to normal functioning depends on many factors, including your gender, current health, and your willingness,” explains Dr. Girgis. “Accept it, learn, and gain insight as you go.” After all, the body and the soul don’t improve overnight.

To that end, it’s also important to stay patient—and persistent. Good advice for any challenging situation, really, and especially when it comes to cutting back on or quitting alcohol. Tanya Mezher, a certified dietary nutritionist and the founding practitioner at functional medicine platform Malla agrees. “Recovery takes time, and setbacks may occur,” she warns. “Stay committed to your goals. The timeline varies from person to person, but noticeable improvements in physical and mental health can often be seen within a few weeks to months.”

With that in mind, here’s an overview of what you can expect in the short term and the long term when you stop drinking. Plus, a few more tips to help you succeed at every juncture in the journey. And remember: if you’re feeling hopeless or out-of-control because of heavy drinking, it’s important to seek professional medical support. You don’t have to go it alone and quitting cold turkey is not advisable. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline, which operates 24/7, 365 days a year, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for more information.

@clarkkegleyPowerful Lessons From Quitting Alcohol

♬ original sound – Clark Kegley

What happens you stop drinking after one day

For many, experiencing the intense flu-like symptoms of a hangover—nausea, headache, chills, sweating, restlessness, anxiety, bowel upset, and inflammation—can be a powerful impetus for deciding to quit or, at the very least, cut back. Therefore, depending on how much alcohol you typically consume, the first day off can be a little, ahem, rough. But the good news is, the first 12 to 24 hours of sobriety is when the healing also begins. Notably, you’ll experience increased hydration as your reduced blood alcohol levels reduce. “This could be the most critical part of stopping without a medical intervention,” Dr. Girgis says.

After three days

It’s not uncommon to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings within the first few days of quitting; fitful sleep and low-level depression are also common. “This is the time where you are most vulnerable physically,” Dr. Girgis says, noting that this is often the point when many hopeful quitters succumb to the temptation to quell discomfort with a little “hair of the dog.” If you’re able to resist, the results will be worthwhile: you should start to experience better sleep, increased energy, and improved digestion by the 72-hour mark—and also noticeable skin clarity and increased levels of energy thanks to improved hydration. The liver, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, will also begin to reset and repair.

After one to two weeks

By now, you should be feeling a marked difference—and any improvements you’ve recently seen in your skin, energy, and sleep quality will only increase. Your immune system should be firing more effectively now, too, which can mean less chance of sickness, inflammation, and infection. Withdrawal symptoms should also have noticeably subsided at this point, freeing you to relish in the improvement in mental clarity and sharpness.

After one month

Like a downhill skier picking up speed, the momentum—and benefits—really start to build after a month. Liver enzyme levels and blood pressure have normalized, reducing the risk of cirrhosis and heart disease. Cardiovascular levels are also improved, which may also contribute to weight loss and visible changes in your physique.

After three months

You may suddenly notice you’re seeing the world through a rosier lens: At three months, emotions and mental health have stabilized leading to a more positive outlook and much cheerier moods. You may be feeling more creative and motivated, too, as any alcohol-induced brain damage or shrinking should begin to repair. Sleep patterns should be completely regulated by now, which means you could be jumping out of bed faster than you ever have before.

After six months to a year—and beyond

This is when most people really start to feel like a whole new version of themselves in all ways. Everything from anxiety to depression to sexual function should be majorly improved by now—and will only continue to benefit as the body repairs. The risk of developing certain cancers, as well as liver and heart disease are also more markedly reduced. And, many people also report more fulfillment in their relationships and work as their self-esteem and confidence increase. “My feelings is that it truly takes one year for your body to return to normal,” Dr. Girgis says. This is also when you may decide to never look back again; when you realize that quitting alcohol might just be, as he puts it, “the best choice you will ever make.”

Staying committed long-term

When it comes to staying on the wagon, both Dr. Grigis and Mezer say that it’s helpful to continue to set clear goals and seek support—whether that’s through a professional therapist, a medical advisor, family and friends, or organized groups. “Share your intentions with friends and family who can provide encouragement,” Mezer advises. And, don’t neglect the self-care basics. “Nutrition and hydration are your friends,” says Dr. Grigis. “Choose healthy foods and beverages, and remember to be physically active—even if it’s just walking around the neighborhood.” They both say these things can really help you stay focused and avoid potential triggers, both important factors in long-term success. “Know this,” Dr. Grigis says. “The decision to stop drinking is yours, and though it’s a daily commitment, it is possible—and wonderful.” source

I Quit Alcohol for 365 Days (why I’m NEVER going back)

“Life is so precious! Live with love, joy, happiness, and abundance.” I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and your loved ones is a healthy you. I am sure that everyone has heard about alcohol abuse and addiction.

Alcoholism is one of the most common addiction forms. Alcoholism is a bad habit that affects all aspects of your life. Drinking problem can have a negative impact on our health, relationships, finances and many more.

Before you get to the point how quitting can change our lives, you should know about the consequence and effects of drinking alcohol:

INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM

People with Alcoholism suffer the interpersonal problem. They begin to draw out from family, relatives, and friends. They become argumentative and strained at home, at work, and with friends. Some people won’t even realize how badly they are affecting their family.

>HEALTH PROBLEM

Drinking is done for a short period of time but its effects are long term. It affects our complete body. Heavy drinking puts you at a risk of developing serious health problems.Such as heart disease, liver disease, certain forms of cancer and pancreatitis.

>LIVER DISEASE

Long-term heavy drinking develops alcoholic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver. It causes fever, jaundice and abdominal pain and can cause death.

>HEART DISEASE

Drinking alcohol causes the greatest risk of heart attack, increase blood pressure and heart disease.

>PANCREATITIS

The Pancreas help to regulate the body’s blood sugar. The Pancreas also digest food when we eat. Drinking cause inflammation of the pancreas which causes abdominal pain and weight loss.

OTHER ISSUES

There are many other problems related to drinking. As soon as you recognize it, you will know that you have a problem or the beginnings of a problem. Problems include thinking often about drinking, trying to stop drinking but unable to do, feeling guilty and embarrassed.

After reading these effects of alcoholism you sure want to quit alcohol. Quitting alcohol can be a life-altering decision and when you quit alcohol you will see how your life will improve. Here are the changes in your body when you quit alcohol.

After 1 hour

>Body kicks into full-blown detox mode to clear the alcohol from your body.

>Liver starts working overtime.

>Pancreas starts producing extra insulin which causes intense carb craving.

After 12–24 hours

> Blood sugar normalizes.

> Because of the diuretic effect booze has on bodies, you are going to be Dehydration.

After 48 hours

> Your body finishes its biggest detox hurdle.

> Cause headaches and tiredness.

After 72 hours

> Hangover side effects now out from your body you will start sleeping more deeply.

>Energy will restore.

>Quicker immune response in your body.

After 1 week

>Skin begins to look dewier and more youthful.

>Hydration restores.

>Reversal of alcohol-related liver damage.

After 1 month

>15% increasing its ability to filter toxins out of the body.

>Metabolism will restore leading to fat loss

>Reduce risk of cancer and decreased stress level.

After 1 year

> Risk of mouth, liver and breast cancers reduces.

> Blood pressure and pulse drop.

> Your liver fat will start decreasing.

After quitting alcohol you will feel that your life will improve. These are some reasons to quit alcohol. Though it’s not easy to quit but not impossible. There are many hospitals which provide Alcohol De-addiction services. source

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These 7 Body Benefits Will Spur You to Quit Drinking

Stopping Drinking Safely: Understanding the Detox Process

If you decide to stop drinking, it is important to remember that it will take some time for your body to physically wean itself away from alcohol. This is because over time, the central nervous system adjusts to the depressive effects of alcohol, which causes the brain to ramp up its response in order for the body to stay functional. In the absence of alcohol, this altered state causes a range of physical responses that make up what we know as withdrawal.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Alcohol?

For people who have a moderate dependency on alcohol, the first 24 hours of sobriety may be uncomfortable as their bodies detoxify, but after three days generally people begin to feel better. Most people will have completely recovered from the physical symptoms of withdrawal after a month, and are beginning to notice their health returning at this time.

For heavier drinkers, symptoms of withdrawal may be more severe and require medically-supervised detox. Like for moderate drinkers, these symptoms will begin within 24 hours of stopping alcohol use, but generally continue for a longer period of time.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Symptoms of withdrawal can differ based on the severity of the body’s dependency on alcohol, as well as what stage of withdrawal you are in. Generally, symptoms can occur as follows:

• 6 hours after your last drink: Symptoms during this period can feel a lot like a hangover, and may include things like a headache, nausea, sweating, vomiting, shaky hands, anxiety, and insomnia.
• 12-48 hours after your last drink: During this time, more serious problems can develop, including seizures and hallucinations.
• 48-72 hours after your last drink: A small percentage of people will experience deliriums tremens, or DTs, a severe symptom of withdrawal marked by delusions and lifelike hallucinations. This can be accompanied by heavy sweating, fever, elevated blood pressure, confusion, and a racing heartbeat.

If you are unsure of how your body will react to quitting drinking, consider reaching out to an addiction specialist to talk through different detox options and get a sense of what the first phase of recovery may involve. source

3 Ways Your Appearance Changes When You Quit Drinking

Alcoholism can ravage all aspects of your life, altering your behavior, damaging your relationships, wrecking your health, and destroying your self-esteem. Over time, the toll of alcoholism can leave you feeling and looking different from the person you want to be. You will see many beneficial appearance changes after you quit drinking, including in the mirror.

Negative Effects of Alcohol

Short-Term Health Risks

Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following:

• Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.^6,7
• Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.^6-10
• Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.¹¹
• Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.^12,13
• Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women.^6,12,14,15

Long-Term Health Risks

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.^6,16
• Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.^6,17
• Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.^6,16
• Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.^6,18
• Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.^6,19
• Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.^6,20,21
• Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence.⁵

By quitting drinking, you can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term health risks. source

Below are three ways quitting alcohol can help you look (and feel) your best.

1. You Will Lose Weight

While Drinking: Consuming alcohol in excess can significantly impact someone’s body shape. For starters, alcohol is very high in calories.  There are seven calories in every gram of alcohol; for context, protein holds four calories per gram and fat has nine calories per gram. In addition, drinking alcohol activates the brain cells in the hypothalamus that make people feel hungry. This is the reason why after a night of drinking people tend to have the munchies. Lots of drinks plus extra eating equals a lot more calories than your body needs.

Alcohol also makes it more difficult for your body to burn any foods you eat. The body flags alcohol as a toxin, and the liver focuses on breaking down alcohol before any fat, carbohydrate, or protein. When the liver is constantly working to process alcohol rather than food, you start to gain weight. In the case of heavy drinkers, alcohol can cause so much damage to the liver that it stops functioning properly, which can lead to deadly conditions such as fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.

After Quitting: Weight loss happens during sobriety when someone replaces their old habits with new ones: sticking to healthier meals, no longer binge eating extra food while drinking, and, of course, no longer drinking all those empty calories. After quitting alcohol, your body can once again focus on metabolizing nutrients.

2. Your Skin Will Glow

While Drinking: When you are struggling with alcoholism, your skin is probably the least of your concerns. But the effects of drinking may be more serious than you think. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes more water to be processed through the kidneys. This leaves you dehydrated and causes dry patches, dull skin, fine lines, and dark under-eye circles. Your skin may become sensitive to the touch and feel uncomfortable, even itchy.

Chronic alcohol consumption also elevates the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, triggering alcohol-related premature aging. This stress can break down the skin’s collagen and cause inflammation, leading to wrinkles. Cortisol can also aggravate other skin conditions like rosacea or acne, causing flareups and breakouts.

After Quitting: By replacing alcoholic drinks with plenty of water, you are allowing your skin to rehydrate and flush out toxins through urine and sweat. Your skin will regain its natural, healthy glow as you replenish the necessary vitamins and minerals lost from active addiction.

3. Your Hair Will Grow

While Drinking: When alcohol dehydrates your body, it also dehydrates your hair. The lack of moisture causes thinning, hair loss, and dandruff on the scalp.  Hair shedding is compounded by alcohol triggering increased production of cortisol and the hormone estrogen.

Alcohol also inhibits nutrient absorption by harming the lining of your digestive system over time, damaging your intestines until they can’t transfer nutrients to the blood. Without proper protein, the production of keratin slows; this protective agent bonds hair cells together and your hair becomes prone to split ends and breakage. Similarly, zinc and folic acid, which are essential for hair growth, aren’t soaked up by your follicles.

After Quitting: Your hair will regain its former strength as your body begins to repair itself from the effects of alcohol. The rate your hair grows will increase, and you’ll notice the change from hair loss to fuller, shinier locks.

Leaving alcohol behind and pursuing sobriety brings favorable changes to your appearance that you might not have anticipated. As you start to look good, you’ll feel good about yourself, and when you look in the mirror, you’ll see the old you again. source

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‘I Gave Up Alcohol a Year Ago—I Feel 10 Years Younger’

I come from a family of drinkers so I grew up around alcohol. Whether we were celebrating or commiserating, alcohol was always involved. My paternal grandfather was actually born in a pub and named after it.

Sometimes I would buy wine in a box, decant it into a litre sized water bottle in the garage or bathroom and slug that down quickly. My behaviour became erratic and I wasn’t able to meet my commitments at work. When I was drunk, I would look in the mirror and say, “How did I get like this?” and then the next might I would be drunk again.

I was also an emotional wreck. I had trouble relating to my family and I would get angry very easily. I was irritable, restless and I didn’t sleep well. I got to a point where I knew that if I didn’t reach out for help, I would be a dead man.

On November 2, 2016, I had a week of vacation starting and I bought myself a case of 24 beers. I was going to ration them out and have three or four beers a night. I put my son to bed at 8pm and cracked open my first beer. By 11pm I had finished 19 of them. Something inside of me said: “Kenny, your life is no longer manageable.” It was true.

I reached out to a friend of mine who I knew was in recovery from alcoholism, something I had never done before. The next morning she took me to a meeting for addicts. I knew I was home amongst those people because each of them told a story that could have been mine. I finally realized then: I’m an alcoholic.

In the 12 Step program I learned that stopping on my own is not something that I have the physical or emotional capability of doing. That program worked for me, but if something else works for other people, that’s great. There are many ways to get sober and 12 Step is just one of them. However, it was foolish of me to stop drinking on my own without consulting a doctor.

In that first week I had to call a complete stranger, someone who had been through the program, and ask them to be my sponsor. That was hell. But that guy told me to call him and go to a meeting every day. When I said that was too much, I remember he replied, “well, you drank every day.” I had no rebuttal.

For the first 30 days I was on what is called the “pink cloud.” I was very happy; it was like coming out of a bad relationship. The “pink cloud” ended when my sponsor said that I had to clean up the mess I had made of my life and all the people that I had harmed. That was when it got difficult and I started having doubts about recovery. You have to address what led you down the path to wanting to alter your state in the first place. I just wanted my life back, but instead I was encouraged to fix the old one.

It took me about 10 months to get through all 12 Steps and eventually I chose to put my trust in a higher power, something I was taught by the program, though it doesn’t have to be God.

I realized that I had been angry about many things in my life, all the way from childhood. Part of the program is recognizing that and letting it go. Then you have to make a list of all the people that you’ve harmed and make amends to them. It’s not just apologizing, you actually have to mend the situation.

When I was drinking I would go onto social media every night and lash out at people. I was angry, spiteful and resentful to my friends and peers, and sometimes strangers. I had a lot of situations that I needed to make right.

I had also stolen from people and I had to pay them back. That was hard. I’m a family man so it was difficult for me to accept that I had stolen whilst under the influence of alcohol, or in order to become under the influence of alcohol.

So, life as a sober person was very difficult at the beginning. Although my wife doesn’t drink, I couldn’t go to places where alcohol was served and I became a bit of an introvert. At our family Christmas in 2016, I noticed there was no alcohol and a few hours in I asked my father why they weren’t drinking. He told me not to worry. I realized my family had collectively decided to abstain from alcohol for my sake. It was very emotional and it absolutely meant the world to me. Now, I don’t have an issue being around alcohol, but it was hard for a while. source

What is the brain?

The brain is a complex organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body. Together, the brain and spinal cord that extends from it make up the central nervous system, or CNS.

What is the brain made of?

Weighing about 3 pounds in the average adult, the brain is about 60% fat. The remaining 40% is a combination of water, protein, carbohydrates and salts. The brain itself is a not a muscle. It contains blood vessels and nerves, including neurons and glial cells.

What is the gray matter and white matter?

Gray and white matter are two different regions of the central nervous system. In the brain, gray matter refers to the darker, outer portion, while white matter describes the lighter, inner section underneath. In the spinal cord, this order is reversed: The white matter is on the outside, and the gray matter sits within.

Gray matter is primarily composed of neuron somas (the round central cell bodies), and white matter is mostly made of axons (the long stems that connects neurons together) wrapped in myelin (a protective coating). The different composition of neuron parts is why the two appear as separate shades on certain scans.

Each region serves a different role. Gray matter is primarily responsible for processing and interpreting information, while white matter transmits that information to other parts of the nervous system.

How does the brain work?

The brain sends and receives chemical and electrical signals throughout the body. Different signals control different processes, and your brain interprets each. Some make you feel tired, for example, while others make you feel pain.

Some messages are kept within the brain, while others are relayed through the spine and across the body’s vast network of nerves to distant extremities. To do this, the central nervous system relies on billions of neurons (nerve cells).

Main Parts of the Brain and Their Functions

At a high level, the brain can be divided into the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum.

Cerebrum

The cerebrum (front of brain) comprises gray matter (the cerebral cortex) and white matter at its center. The largest part of the brain, the cerebrum initiates and coordinates movement and regulates temperature. Other areas of the cerebrum enable speech, judgment, thinking and reasoning, problem-solving, emotions and learning. Other functions relate to vision, hearing, touch and other senses.

Cerebral Cortex

Cortex is Latin for “bark,” and describes the outer gray matter covering of the cerebrum. The cortex has a large surface area due to its folds, and comprises about half of the brain’s weight.

The cerebral cortex is divided into two halves, or hemispheres. It is covered with ridges (gyri) and folds (sulci). The two halves join at a large, deep sulcus (the interhemispheric fissure, AKA the medial longitudinal fissure) that runs from the front of the head to the back. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left half controls the right side of the body. The two halves communicate with one another through a large, C-shaped structure of white matter and nerve pathways called the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is in the center of the cerebrum.

Brainstem

The brainstem (middle of brain) connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The brainstem includes the midbrain, the pons and the medulla.

• Midbrain. The midbrain (or mesencephalon) is a very complex structure with a range of different neuron clusters (nuclei and colliculi), neural pathways and other structures. These features facilitate various functions, from hearing and movement to calculating responses and environmental changes. The midbrain also contains the substantia nigra, an area affected by Parkinson’s disease that is rich in dopamine neurons and part of the basal ganglia, which enables movement and coordination.
• Pons. The pons is the origin for four of the 12 cranial nerves, which enable a range of activities such as tear production, chewing, blinking, focusing vision, balance, hearing and facial expression. Named for the Latin word for “bridge,” the pons is the connection between the midbrain and the medulla.
• Medulla. At the bottom of the brainstem, the medulla is where the brain meets the spinal cord. The medulla is essential to survival. Functions of the medulla regulate many bodily activities, including heart rhythm, breathing, blood flow, and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The medulla produces reflexive activities such as sneezing, vomiting, coughing and swallowing.

The spinal cord extends from the bottom of the medulla and through a large opening in the bottom of the skull. Supported by the vertebrae, the spinal cord carries messages to and from the brain and the rest of the body.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum (“little brain”) is a fist-sized portion of the brain located at the back of the head, below the temporal and occipital lobes and above the brainstem. Like the cerebral cortex, it has two hemispheres. The outer portion contains neurons, and the inner area communicates with the cerebral cortex. Its function is to coordinate voluntary muscle movements and to maintain posture, balance and equilibrium. New studies are exploring the cerebellum’s roles in thought, emotions and social behavior, as well as its possible involvement in addiction, autism and schizophrenia.

Brain Coverings: Meninges

Three layers of protective covering called meninges surround the brain and the spinal cord.

• The outermost layer, the dura mater, is thick and tough. It includes two layers: The periosteal layer of the dura mater lines the inner dome of the skull (cranium) and the meningeal layer is below that. Spaces between the layers allow for the passage of veins and arteries that supply blood flow to the brain.
• The arachnoid mater is a thin, weblike layer of connective tissue that does not contain nerves or blood vessels. Below the arachnoid mater is the cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. This fluid cushions the entire central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and continually circulates around these structures to remove impurities.
• The pia mater is a thin membrane that hugs the surface of the brain and follows its contours. The pia mater is rich with veins and arteries.

Lobes of the Brain and What They Control

Each brain hemisphere (parts of the cerebrum) has four sections, called lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital. Each lobe controls specific functions.

• Frontal lobe. The largest lobe of the brain, located in the front of the head, the frontal lobe is involved in personality characteristics, decision-making and movement. Recognition of smell usually involves parts of the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe contains Broca’s area, which is associated with speech ability.
• Parietal lobe. The middle part of the brain, the parietal lobe helps a person identify objects and understand spatial relationships (where one’s body is compared with objects around the person). The parietal lobe is also involved in interpreting pain and touch in the body. The parietal lobe houses Wernicke’s area, which helps the brain understand spoken language.
• Occipital lobe. The occipital lobe is the back part of the brain that is involved with vision.
• Temporal lobe. The sides of the brain, temporal lobes are involved in short-term memory, speech, musical rhythm and some degree of smell recognition.

Deeper Structures Within the Brain

Pituitary Gland

Sometimes called the “master gland,” the pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure found deep in the brain behind the bridge of the nose. The pituitary gland governs the function of other glands in the body, regulating the flow of hormones from the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testicles. It receives chemical signals from the hypothalamus through its stalk and blood supply.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is located above the pituitary gland and sends it chemical messages that control its function. It regulates body temperature, synchronizes sleep patterns, controls hunger and thirst and also plays a role in some aspects of memory and emotion.

Amygdala

Small, almond-shaped structures, an amygdala is located under each half (hemisphere) of the brain. Included in the limbic system, the amygdalae regulate emotion and memory and are associated with the brain’s reward system, stress, and the “fight or flight” response when someone perceives a threat.

Hippocampus

A curved seahorse-shaped organ on the underside of each temporal lobe, the hippocampus is part of a larger structure called the hippocampal formation. It supports memory, learning, navigation and perception of space. It receives information from the cerebral cortex and may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.

Pineal Gland

The pineal gland is located deep in the brain and attached by a stalk to the top of the third ventricle. The pineal gland responds to light and dark and secretes melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle.

Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid

Deep in the brain are four open areas with passageways between them. They also open into the central spinal canal and the area beneath arachnoid layer of the meninges.

The ventricles manufacture cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, a watery fluid that circulates in and around the ventricles and the spinal cord, and between the meninges. CSF surrounds and cushions the spinal cord and brain, washes out waste and impurities, and delivers nutrients.

Blood Supply to the Brain

Two sets of blood vessels supply blood and oxygen to the brain: the vertebral arteries and the carotid arteries.

The external carotid arteries extend up the sides of your neck, and are where you can feel your pulse when you touch the area with your fingertips. The internal carotid arteries branch into the skull and circulate blood to the front part of the brain.

The vertebral arteries follow the spinal column into the skull, where they join together at the brainstem and form the basilar artery, which supplies blood to the rear portions of the brain.

The circle of Willis, a loop of blood vessels near the bottom of the brain that connects major arteries, circulates blood from the front of the brain to the back and helps the arterial systems communicate with one another.

Cranial Nerves

Inside the cranium (the dome of the skull), there are 12 nerves, called cranial nerves:

• Cranial nerve 1: The first is the olfactory nerve, which allows for your sense of smell.
• Cranial nerve 2: The optic nerve governs eyesight.
• Cranial nerve 3: The oculomotor nerve controls pupil response and other motions of the eye, and branches out from the area in the brainstem where the midbrain meets the pons.
• Cranial nerve 4: The trochlear nerve controls muscles in the eye. It emerges from the back of the midbrain part of the brainstem.
• Cranial nerve 5: The trigeminal nerve is the largest and most complex of the cranial nerves, with both sensory and motor function. It originates from the pons and conveys sensation from the scalp, teeth, jaw, sinuses, parts of the mouth and face to the brain, allows the function of chewing muscles, and much more.
• Cranial nerve 6: The abducens nerve innervates some of the muscles in the eye.
• Cranial nerve 7: The facial nerve supports face movement, taste, glandular and other functions.
• Cranial nerve 8: The vestibulocochlear nerve facilitates balance and hearing.
• Cranial nerve 9: The glossopharyngeal nerve allows taste, ear and throat movement, and has many more functions.
• Cranial nerve 10: The vagus nerve allows sensation around the ear and the digestive system and controls motor activity in the heart, throat and digestive system.
• Cranial nerve 11: The accessory nerve innervates specific muscles in the head, neck and shoulder.
• Cranial nerve 12: The hypoglossal nerve supplies motor activity to the tongue.

The first two nerves originate in the cerebrum, and the remaining 10 cranial nerves emerge from the brainstem, which has three parts: the midbrain, the pons and the medulla.

source

From healthier-looking skin to increased mental stability, here are the health benefits of sobriety.

Robert Downey Jr. accepted the American Cinematheque award over the weekend, he chose his friend Mel Gibson to present the honor. 

“When people get sober they sleep better, have more energy, and can think more clearly,” says Dr. Dr. Brian Wind, Ph.D “Best of all, sober people aren’t damaging nearly every part of their bodies on a daily basis and aren’t waking up with hangovers or withdrawals.”

Sobriety isn’t and won’t be easy. Some benefits will be noticeable immediately, while others take time. If you have a substance abuse problem you may initially go through physical symptoms of withdrawal, but the benefits of sobriety certainly outweigh any potentially negative effects of withdrawal.

Physical benefits

• Increased general health
• Improved mental clarity (focus, critical thinking, memory)
• Longer and deeper sleep
• Increased energy
• Healthier skin and complexion
• Decreased risk of long-term health issues including cancer
• Better weight management and eating habits

“The before and after photos depicting recovery from substance use are very compelling,” says Dr. Lori Ryland”As substance use reduces, you begin taking better care of yourself by eating healthy instead of using, better activity, and often better healthcare adherence in comparison to periods of use.”

While sobriety will have a positive effect on your physical well-being, the benefits are equally as important to your emotional state. Emotional stability—which affects everything from your relationships, motivation, and general mood—will vastly improve.

“In general, an individual is significantly more emotionally stable and balanced when sober than during an active addiction,” says Dr. Dean Drosnes,

Emotional benefits

• Increased confidence
• Emotional stability
• Better overall well-being
• Improved relationships
• More motivation
• Depression relief
• Anxiety relief

the benefits of sobriety are manifested in several ways, including: mental(1) and physical health(2), markedly improved relationships with friends and family(3), as well as in your finances and career(4, 5).

Even if you are not experiencing these negative outcomes, heavy drinking can be detrimental both short and long-term. Getting sober may help to reverse or even eliminate the negative impact that alcohol may have on your mental and physical health, personal relationships, as well as your career or financial situation.

The Benefits of Being Sober

Physical Health

Heavy alcohol use has been linked with a vast amount of negative outcomes, including(6):

• Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver
• Alcohol induced acute/chronic pancreatitis
• Alcoholic myophathy and cardiomyophathy
• Increased rates of certain cancers like breast, stomach, oral, and colon
• Degeneration of the nervous system (decreased ability to fight infection)

Chronic alcohol use has also been attributed to erectile dysfunction as well as other sexual dysfunctions(7). Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with duration and severity of alcohol dependence as well as the amount of alcohol consumed per day.

Upon stopping the intake of alcohol, these physical consequences may subside. However, when a heavy drinker stops they may experience(8):

• Weight loss
• Improved pancreatic function
• Reduced risk of cancer
• Lower blood pressure

Mental Health

Heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with negative impacts on mental health. This is primarily due to blocking chemical signals between brain cells (neurons)(9). For instance, alcohol consumption results in slurred speech, slowed reflexes, poor memory, and impulsive behavior.

Due to heavy alcohol consumption the brain can adapt to these blocked pathways. When alcohol leaves the system it will continue to over-activate neurotransmitters that can result in damage to brain cells(10, 11, 12).

Alcohol use can also negatively impact sleep patterns. Similar to other sleep medications, the sedative or sleep inducing effects of alcohol are quickly adapted to which only leads to further sleep related problems.

Wile it can be hard to say whether alcohol plays a significant role in mental health issues such as anxiety, psychosis, or depression. Through the transitive property, we know that if these issues subside when the person stops drinking, it’s logical to assume alcohol aggravates those conditions.

Relationships with Family and Friends

Alcoholism typically has a negative impact on personal relationships with friends and family.

Studies show that higher partner violence is associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Abstaining from alcohol has the opposite effect and may result in less conflicts and domestic violence.

Alcohol can also affect a person’s attachment to others (partner, spouse, children, friends, and family). People who have attachment issues typically are less trusting, show signs of fear, and will isolate and detach themselves.

Career and Financial Situation

Most people who drink alcohol do not think about the impact of alcohol on their financial well-being. People who abuse alcohol are more likely to miss work and have conflict amongst co-workers and management.

Going to and from work may end up resulting in a DUI only adding more financial burden (bail, court fines, attorney, public transportation cost, etc).

Final Thoughts

Apart from the purported “holistic” benefits of being sober, there are fact-based reasons for why sobriety is beneficial. Including for your mental and physical health, personal relationships, and for your career/financial situation.

1. Your life becomes less chaotic You don’t have to live in constant turmoil anymore because you’re not worried about getting money, getting drugs or alcohol, and then lying or manipulating to cover up your behaviors. You finally get a chance to sit still and relax.
2. You sleep better When you suffer from Alcohol abuse is disruptive to sleeping patterns because it suppresses sleep, not permitting a restorative, good nights rest. Though you may have trouble falling asleep when you first get sober, you will soon sleep peacefully through the night and feel more rested the next day.
3. You feel healthier Substance abuse has profound effects on the body. In sobriety, you aren’t putting toxic chemicals in your body, so you will actually have more energy and feel more alert and focused! Not to mention the fact that your internal organs get to take a break from working overtime to process the drugs and alcohol. More Energy, Alcohol is a depressant, which makes you feel tired and slow. Without the constant effect of alcohol on your body, you have a lot more energy to work with. This energy can lead to healthier choices.
4. You look better Do you have sunken in cheeks, red patches, or bad acne? Good news – in sobriety, your skin actually improves! Without nasty, toxic chemicals in your body, your complexion will improve tremendously and you will gain weight back to your face, making you look beautiful and healthy again!  Better Skin, When it comes to improving physical health, better skin is one of the most noticeable changes in most people. People in recovery have a more radiant complexion than before. Their skin becomes clearer — and, in many cases, cleaner due to improved hygiene. Within the first six months of sobriety, most people undergo observable and positive changes in their skin.
5. Your memory improves We all have nights we don’t remember while in addiction, but shortly after detox, your memory will rapidly begin to improve. No more worrying about what you did last night – your memory will become sharp and as good as new!
6. Your mental health improves (no more brain fog) Sleep, diet, and overall health are directly correlated with the status of your mental health. As your lifestyle improves, you will find your emotions more stable and manageable. You will find yourself having less mood swings along with increased happiness. Alcohol is incredibly inflammatory. The long and short-term impact of alcohol on your brain is extensive. I won’t go into detail here because I’ve written about it before, but if you can’t engage intellectually with the world like you used to, you’re forgetting more things or struggling to focus, there is good news for you, my friend! Your brain can heal. You can get your mental faculties back! This one happened for me relatively early on, and that’s WITH pregnancy brain. It is an incredible feeling to have that fog lift. You quite literally feel like a brand new person. The ability to think, read a book, engage in an intelligent conversation, actually have IDEAS again, and not just loop terrible thoughts on autopilot in your brain is liberating. It’s one of the best benefits of sobriety I’ve experienced.
7. You worry less When you are sober and doing the right thing, the worry of getting in trouble with others or getting caught by the cops disappears. You’re sober, you have a job, you are being honest with others, you have a roof over your head, you aren’t worried about going into withdrawals – what’s there to worry about anymore?
8. You actually have money When you aren’t spending every penny earned on drugs or alcohol, you will be surprised how quickly your savings adds up! It is a wonderful feeling not to worry about living paycheck to paycheck and being able to have savings for emergencies.
9. You get to be a part of your family Regardless of the harms you have done, your family loves you and will forgive you in time. It is a great feeling to be with family on holidays and special occasions without causing them to worry about your drug or alcohol use. They will be able to rely on you and trust you, and since you have money, you can even buy them gifts for their birthdays!
10. You form deep connections with others Friendships made in sobriety are like no other. These friends understand exactly what you are going through because they have been there too. They will love and support you unconditionally. There is something about friendships in recovery that is magical.
11. You gain long term rewards Hard work pays off. If you put in the work to be sober and happy, you will be sober and happy. You will be able to go to class and study for school in order to further your education. You will be capable of holding a job, allowing you to move up in your career. You will develop a profound appreciation for people, places, and things.
12. You get to embark on new adventures You have the ability to try new things, travel to new places, and develop a passion for life after addiction. Since you will no longer rely on substances to survive each day, you will finally have the opportunity to thrive in life. There is nothing holding you back. Go climb that mountain, go snorkeling at a coral reef, go visit a foreign country! What are you waiting for?
13. You grow spiritually Spiritual growth consists of removing obsolete or negative habits and thoughts from your life. Mindful meditation is a great way to grow spiritually because it relaxes your mind and aids in coping with feelings of anxiety and stress. It is a free, easy to do activity that promotes healing and spiritual growth by connecting your mind, body, and spirit. Sobriety brings so much peace into your life. It allows you to become more aware and present. You understand and connect with yourself better. When you’re sober, the entirety of who you are improves. Happiness is easy to come by when you’re doing good for yourself, looking better, feeling better, and functioning on a higher physical level.
14. You find your purpose in life There is somebody out there who is hopeless and feels like they cannot stay sober. You may not know it at the time, but your story is the only story they will hear. Your experience, strength, and hope, is going to help somebody stay sober. You have the ability to change lives.
15. You learn to love yourself By staying healthy, having new experiences, building relationships, and helping others, you will begin to truly love yourself. You will treat your body and mind with a gentle respect, as you have been blessed with a new, sober life. For many of us, we have spent too much time hating ourselves. Being able to love who we are, for all of our imperfections, is nothing short of a miraculous gift in sobriety.
16. Less Stress People who abuse alcohol get to a point in their drinking where they cannot manage any emotion in a healthy way. Drinking is the solution to boredom, frustration, sadness, and extreme happiness. Additionally, research has shown that drinking any amount of alcohol chronically (including one drink per day) changes your Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA), which Maintains your physiological balance between what you do and don’t perceive as stressful. This leads to more cortisol released at baseline when you’re not drinking. Translation: alcohol increases your anxiety and stress levels even when not drinking. It was a horrible cycle of self-medicating my anxiety with alcohol which, in turn, only made my anxiety levels worse. I was stressed out all of the time and had no healthy coping mechanisms for that stress. Sobriety changed that. As a fair warning, sometimes alcohol withdrawal can have the opposite effect and make anxiety significantly worse, but it is temporary. It goes away, and you feel much more stable and clear-headed after the initial withdrawal period.
17. Less Physical Pain Alcohol is incredibly inflammatory. it causes joint problems eventually speeding up arthritis and generally causing more pain in the joints.  It wreaks havoc with your gastrointestinal system and digestive system.  It will destroy your liver, heart, kidneys and pancreas! It will cause your blood pressure to be high and rapid pulse can develop. PERMANENT HEART DAMAGE CAN OCCUR.
18. Self Esteem will rise overtime  When you finally get over those first months of early sobriety, you’ll see that you’re not so bad after all. People who are successful with their sobriety find ways to keep themselves busy. It’s through that process that many people start to forgive themselves and see the value they can bring to the world. Every day you go without drinking boosts your self-esteem, even if you don’t notice. When you choose to go to the gym or take a cooking class, you’re signaling that you are open to seeing what else this life has to offer. The cumulative effects of all these new experiences and choices add up.
19. Healthier realationships A lot of people feel lonely when they give up alcohol. When your entire social life has revolved around getting wasted, it’s normal to feel like there’s nothing to do. Re-evaluating your relationships with other people is part of the process. We all have to go through it, but the AMAZING thing is that you’ll end up with really powerful connections with the people you choose to keep around. You might think that emotionally unloading with your friends over wine and cookies makes you close or that your buddy holding your hair while you puked means something.
20. Better Sleep Pattern Sobriety is your body at its most natural state, so when you’re sober, your body goes back into a more regular rhythm. Instead of drinking until the early morning hours, you now give yourself a chance to rest earlier and get quality sleep. The peace of mind that sobriety comes with also makes you less stressed and more able to get enough restful sleep at normal hours.
21. Better Eating habbits Some people in recovery consider getting over addiction as their first step to living a much healthier lifestyle. Post-treatment, you may develop a consistent exercise routine to get your mind off drinking. Following a healthy diet is similar to this. They’re both excellent ways to improve your health and also things you can focus on to fill in the gaps left by addiction in your life. When you stop drinking, your body also becomes much less dehydrated. This lessens the chances of developing unhealthy food cravings. While eating healthier can help you stay sober, it’s also true that staying sober can help you eat healthier. For example, you can eat healthier because you have the energy to cook dishes instead of ordering fast food.source source source source

The Health Benefits of Being Sober

The Importance of Being Trustworthy

Why Is Hope Important In Life? You Will Be Amazed!

The Freedom of Forgiveness

Why Is Faith Important in Recovery?

The Advantages of Prayer for Addiction Recovery

Many people underestimate the effects of prayer in our lives, but for someone in recovery from a substance abuse problem, praying can come with several added benefits. At Faith in Recovery, we are looking at the power of Christian prayer for recovery to help you through the good times and the bad.

At Faith in Recovery, we understand that reading scripture and prayer can help people recovering from substance abuse heal from the inside out. A person’s spiritual state should never be neglected in sobriety.

The Benefits of Prayer for Drug Addiction

A.W. Tozer famously said, “What comes to your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you.” If you see God as slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness (Exodus 34:6), then you’re more likely to find comfort in prayer for addiction recovery.

While many people underestimate the effects of prayer in our lives, praying can come with several added benefits for someone recovering from a substance use problem. At our Christian drug rehabilitation center, we look at the power of scripture and Christian prayer in recovery to help you through the good times and the bad.

Hope

Recovery from addiction can be a trying time. There may be days when you feel like giving up and caving into your cravings, but one of the benefits of praying in addiction recovery is that it can give you hope. When you are feeling weak or struggling, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Praying can also remind you that you are never alone in your recovery journey and give you hope for a better future.

Improved Mental Health

Drugs and alcohol can have a major impact on a person’s mental health. Fortunately, prayer also addresses these issues. Some research suggests that regularly praying can lead to mental health benefits. In some cases, prayer has been found to reduce anger, feelings of aggression, anxiety, and depression. ^1,2 Prayer can offer some relief for someone in early recovery who may be experiencing these emotions frequently as they adjust to a new lifestyle.

Self-Reflection

Another advantage of prayer for addiction recovery is its promotion of daily self-reflection. We see this often in clients who recently completed one of our faith-based addiction recovery programs and are new to recovery. These individuals are often still trying to figure out how to navigate their sobriety.

Life can be overwhelming, drug triggers can be everywhere, and there are both good and bad days. However, prayer in recovery allows people to properly manage these distractions and get through difficult moments. As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” This moment of pause can help individuals in recovery better recognize their emotions and responses to distractions, as well as learn how to react better in the future.

Routine

Many people in recovery benefit from having a set routine in place. In fact, this is something we recommend to all patients in our Christian-based recovery programs. A schedule keeps them going when they may otherwise get complacent with their sobriety. It also leaves less room for boredom.

One of the many benefits of praying every day in recovery is that it helps keep a routine. Whether you pray when you first wake up or right before bed, these few minutes of prayer can help you get back into your routine when you may have otherwise started to stay away from the healthy routine you originally created.

Physical Health Benefits

There may also be some physical health benefits of prayer for sobriety. Research has found correlations between positive religious coping, like praying, among hospitalized patients with improvements in physical health.3 For people in recovery whose bodies are still healing from the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol, praying may help them remain patient, hopeful, and consistent through this process.

Better Self Control

One of the most important benefits of prayer for addiction recovery is its association with better self-control.4 Studies have found that people assigned to pray on a daily basis were found to have better self-control over their drinking habits and drink considerably less than the control group.5 This increased sense of self-control can further reduce the risk of relapse.

Prayer for the Addicted & Recovery

While most substance abuse treatment programs address the physical damage of drug or alcohol abuse, the person’s spiritual state may be put on the back burner. At our residential Christian-based rehab, we believe that prayer is an important part of the recovery journey.

Below are some prayers and Bible verses for addiction recovery that may offer you or a loved one some much-needed support.

Faith: An Overlooked Tool in Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery

There are 20 million Americans afflicted with a substance use disorder (SUD). And tragically, each year, nearly 160,000 die from alcohol or drug-related deaths. However, as we head further into the 30th annual National Recovery Month, one of the most effective tools to prevent and/or recover from addiction is often overlooked—faith. And when it comes to prevention, particularly among youth, faith is a driving force, according to a new report I co-authored with my daughter, Melissa, which was published in the Journal of Religion and Health. The report is the second commissioned by the interdenominational initiative, Faith Counts to examine the socio-economic contribution of religion to America.

Unfortunately, most Americans will find this surprising. In the latest Gallup survey, only 46% of Americans think that religion can answer today’s problems, but the reality is that religion provides answers for one of today’s biggest problems—addiction. Part of the misperception revealed in the poll is that fewer people are affiliated with religion today, resulting in less experience with faith and its positive impacts.

So, what are the positive impacts of religion on substance abuse/addiction that are outlined in the new study?

Overwhelmingly, research shows that youth who are spiritually active, participate in a faith community, and invest in a prayerful relationship with their God are less likely to use or abuse drugs and alcohol. By contrast, teens who do not consider religious belief important are almost three times more likely to smoke, five times more likely to binge on alcohol, and almost eight times more likely to use marijuana compared with the teens who strongly appreciated the significance of religion in their daily lives. And compared with the teens who attended religious services at least weekly, the teens who never attended services were twice more likely to drink, over twice more likely to smoke, over three times more likely to use marijuana or binge on alcohol, and four times more likely to use illicit drugs.

A host of empirical studies also reveal that faith among adolescents and young adults can act as a powerful deterrent against drug and alcohol abuse, even when controlling for other contributory factors (e.g., depression). Higher degrees of religiosity among youth, including religious attendance, involvement, and reliance on religious beliefs in decision-making, are associated with several benefits, such as limited depression and negative attitudes toward substance abuse. Adolescents who frequently attend religious services, who are involved in faith-based activities, and who place a high value on spirituality exhibit greater resilience when facing the stressors that can lead to the formative use of drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Studies also show that high school students’ attendance in religious services and their incorporation of prayer into their everyday lives can equip them with vital spiritual and moral guidance that will decrease their inclinations for drugs and alcohol when stressors arise.

The evidence on the association between religious involvement and/or religiosity and reduced risk of substance use among adolescents is overwhelming. Teens who attend religious services weekly are less likely to smoke, drink, use marijuana or other illicit drugs (e.g., LSD, cocaine, and heroin) than those who attend religious services less frequently. Further, religious practice among teens discourages them from taking highly dangerous drugs. For example, people who attended religious services at least weekly in childhood and adolescence were 33% less likely to use illegal drugs.

Adolescents also benefit from their mothers’ higher levels of religious practice, controlling for factors that also influence the level of drinking (e.g., the adolescents’ peer associations). Higher teenage religiosity is also related to other factors related to a decrease in drug use, such as good family relations, high academic performance in school, having anti-drug attitudes, and socializing with friends who do not take drugs. Moreover, teens themselves tend to cite their peers’ religious and spiritual inclinations as reasons that discourage their peers from drinking and taking drugs.

Our study concludes that the decline in religious affiliation presents a growing national health concern because the growth of disaffiliation is concentrated among Millennials and young adults, who are also the highest percentage of any age group to have a substance abuse disorder. In a sense, the antidote is being rejected by the very people who need it most.source source source

The Health Benefits of Being Sober

The Importance of Being Trustworthy

Why Is Hope Important In Life? You Will Be Amazed!

The Freedom of Forgiveness

Why Is Faith Important in Recovery?

Story by ylee@businessinsider.com

After a string of failures over the past few decades, biotech companies seem to be returning to the difficult and elusive hunt for Alzheimer’s treatments.

Alzheimer’s disease affects roughly 6.5 million Americans, and there is no cure. For decades, drugs focused on treating the condition have languished in clinical trials, failing to show that they could treat or slow the progression of the disease.

But amid some positive news, companies focused on Alzheimer’s have said they’ve received an influx of investor interest. This month, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for a new Alzheimer’s drug called Leqembi, developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai and Biogen, a biotech company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Importance of Sleep with Alzheimer’s

The brain is programmed to “clean mode” at night that washes away waste products. Poor sleep could make this cycle less effective and leave Alzheimer’s toxins to build up.

Study findings: Researchers studied the brain of 13 participants asleep and awake. They discovered that, during deep sleep, the brain is washed by coordinated waves of cerebrospinal fluid which can remove waste products. The authors noted that these waves are not as strong in people with memory impairment, and chronic sleep problems can lead to the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Why it matters: Alzheimer’s disease is the main form of dementia, and the number of people diagnosed with dementia is expected to grow by 204% worldwide by 2050. Understanding the role that sleep can play in healing the brain, and how it can be disrupted, are critical in the search for a cure and preventive measures.

The final word: The study’s findings reveal the synchrony of processes that enable waste clearance, and suggest how this may, in the future, help to explain what role sleep quality plays in Alzheimer’s disease. The authors recommend more probing studies to identify what may influence these nocturnal cleaning “rhythms”.

Sleep: the brain’s housekeeper

Sleep flicks the switch that allows the brain to go about maintenance work without being interrupted by the pesky activity of a conscious mind.

There are several stages and depths of sleep, and you cycle through them several times per night. When you start to nod off, you are at stage 1 of non-rapid eye movement (nREM) sleep. Once you sink a bit deeper, you’re into nREM stage 2, during which your body temperature drops and your heart rate starts to slow.

Stage 3 of nREM is one we’ll discuss in this article. It is the deepest sleep: your blood pressure drops, your muscles relax, and your breathing is slowed. And this is the time your brain has set aside to clear out the waste. It’s followed by rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep when you dream, your eyes flick around, and your brain is more active. Then it all starts again.

Deep sleep, deep clean

For many centuries, the brain had the scientific community stumped because they couldn’t figure out how it got rid of metabolic waste.

The central nervous system, which includes the brain, doesn’t have a lymphatic system like the rest of the body. Scientists found this very curious because this system is responsible for removing waste products and toxins from the body. In fact, for many centuries, it was believed that the central nervous system of mammals was simply devoid of lymphatic activity.

The idea of getting a cerebral spa treatment every night is appealing

However, that left an important question unanswered: how on earth does the brain rid itself of rubbish? Thanks to new technologies and determined scientists, we now know that the brain has its own way of doing things. Firstly, it does have lymphatic vessels, and they can be seen on a correctly tuned magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

But that’s not all, as this paper helpfully reminds us. The brain is much classier than initially thought: it repeatedly rinses itself in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) every night. Your brain and spinal cord bathe in this clear, colourless fluid all day, and at night, waves of it surge over the brain and clear it of metabolic waste.

It takes three baby

Three synchronised actions allow the brain to clear out the byproducts of metabolism and other waste products that accumulate each day.

A team of seven researchers, led by Nina E. Fultz, looked for the missing piece of a messy puzzle that included brain waves, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. It was already known that our thinking organ emits brain waves (tiny electrical pulses) that make our neurons fire in a specific region. The same goes for CSF — scientists already knew that it could remove metabolic waste products.

Yet, it was unclear whether these processes are related, and if so, what is their purpose. Fortunately, these intrepid scientists intervened to solve this nail-biting enigma. They put 13 slumbering (and sometimes, waking) people through their paces with new and old technology.

That cat is rolling in Delta waves

They attached electrodes to their subjects’ heads, measuring electric impulses on the outer layers of the brain (the cortex), a non-invasive technique called electroencephalography (EEG). Participants also underwent functional MRI scans that could show changes in cerebrospinal fluid and blood flow.

When the scans were in, the team compared the timing and effect of these three parameters and concluded that these features are synchronised. So, in order for the brain “washing” to function, it requires three steps. A slow brain wave breaks across a network of neurons, which triggers an increase in CSF and a decrease in blood flow (which probably makes room for the cerebrospinal fluid to wash over the brain).

What’s it got to do with Alzheimer’s?

There are brain waves for each level of cerebral activity, and they can be disturbed in patients with specific diseases.

Brain waves coordinate levels of activity in this organ, so it should come as no surprise that they can be disturbed in different diseases. People with Alzheimer’s have fewer and smaller Delta waves, the long slow waves that occur during deep sleep (nREM stage 3), and this research may help understand why.

Poor sleep quality is an important feature of Alzheimer’s, but it could be poor sleep quality and thus fewer, weaker Delta waves during a person’s lifetime that might influence clinically significant aspects, like the accumulation of specific proteins associated with this disease.

There are two proteins in the brain that were identified in the pathology of Alzheimer’s: beta-amyloid, which accumulates in plaques, and tau, a protein that is found in cerebrospinal fluid. Other studies have shown that wakefulness can increase levels of tau protein and that chronic sleep deprivation can increase beta-amyloid plaque accumulation.

Read the study here

This study postulates that disturbances in this nocturnal process of brain “cleaning” may explain why these proteins accumulate in the brain. By demonstrating that three separate actions are required for effective removal of metabolic waste during deep sleep, they suggest it might be the first step to uncovering how disturbances in this harmonious process may allow these proteins to accumulate in the first place.

TIPThe Atlas DNA Test checks for Alzheimer’s disease risks and recommends a full night’s sleep (7-9 hours) as a preventive measure.

Learn about how sound can help aid your sleep process:

Why Walnuts Are A Good Snack To Eat Before Bed

The Right Noise – Pink, White ,Brown, Blue, Black, and Red Noise: Your Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep

How to Sleep Better: Your Guide for Good ZZZ

Everything You Need To Know About Magnesium And Sleep

Optimizing the Sleep-Wake Cycle

How to Reset Your Sleep Cycle When You Live With Insomnia

The Importance of Sleep with Alzheimer’s

What You Eat Affects How You Sleep

GABA & L-theanine mix Improves REM Sleep, Stabilizes mood and helps with depression

What Happens When Circadian Rhythm Is Off? Learn More

Do You Wake Up Every Night At The Same Time? Learn More

How to Reset Your Sleep Cycle When You Live With Insomnia Learn More

What You Eat Affects How You Sleep? Learn More

GABA / L-theanine mixture Improves REM Sleep, Antidepressant, and Mood-stabilizing Study Says Learn More