In this undated photo provided by the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, left, points to images of brain scans of mice joined by her colleague Lulu Xie, of the University of Rochester Medical Center. The team, who observed the brains of mice during the sleep and awake states, has published a study in the journal Science that found the brain does a better job of clearing out cellular waste during sleep, a finding that may lead to new ways to treat Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders. (AP Photo/University of Rochester Medical Center )
October 17, 2013 - 11:22 AM
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Here's a reason to get some shuteye: A new study suggests our brains go on a cleaning spree during sleep, flushing out gunk that builds up while we're awake.
Though the cleaning was observed in mice, scientists think it happens in people too.
The findings were reported in Friday's issue of the journal Science and may provide new clues to treat Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
People who are sleep-deprived have trouble learning and making decisions. But despite decades of research, scientists can't agree on the basic purpose of sleep.
For the study, researchers led by the University of Rochester Medical Center observed the brains of mice while awake and asleep. They found cellular waste flowed faster out of the brains of sleeping mice than awake mice.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013