LACK OF SLEEP CAN DO HARM


THE KUHNS REPORT

LAS VEGAS - Hello America, and how is the world treating you?

For Robert B- out of Florida.

Your Question: You asked -Is sleep good for you? Can I get by on 3 to 4 hours sleep a night?

Robert,right off the bat, - - yes, sleep is good for you. Only getting 3 to 4 hours sleep a night doesn't do anyone any good. Remember, we  devote approximately about ONE -THIRD of our life to  sleeping. A theory I have held for years is that when a person is sleeping the brain regenerates and  basically cleans itself up and wipes away all of the debris it had been accumulating in the previous 24 hours.

It has long been a held belief by psychologists and physiologists that sleep tends to serve in different ways ranging from  memory retention and consolidation, metabolic and immune system changes for a body and its overall well being.  But I remind you  all of the scientists from around the world have never, ever came to a consensus and/or agreement as to the original purpose for a person sleeping.

In my theory, I believe that sleep is there to give  time for the body to revive, regenerate, rejuvenate  and recover from all of its memory tasks  performed within the prior 24 to 48 hours. So, like a computer, the physiological functions working within the brain wipe clean certain areas of the brain - - cleaning it out, if you will.

Robert, in your brain is very small microscopic channels filled with fluid which maintains a network of physiological control through these channels  that in turn wipe away and clear the brain from toxins that build up from ones memory and mental exercise use. The toxins and waste is flushed through these small brain channels. Some scientists recognize this channel system as  the "glymphatic system." Certain cells in the brain control the flow of ceberospinal fluid that destroys the metabolic waste, or trash, if you will , and then recycles it through the small channels.

I would suggest that there are  numerous neurological diseases that may occur from a persons lack of sleep. They may include but are not limited to such disease as Alzheimer's;  TIA's (Transient Ischemic Attacks) which are small strokes;  full blown strokes;  dementia,; etc.  Many neurologists today do clearly associate the previous mentioned diseases to sleep disturbances.

Robert, it is my belief that lack of sleep can allow these toxins, waste and debris circulating within the brain to produce a byproduct which may possibly cause  brain damage. My recommendation would  be that everyone get at least seven (7) to  eight (8) hours of natural sleep a night because if one doesn't I would predict some sort of brain damage occurring.  And, that's my opinion. Make your own decisions. You decide.

Bradley W. Kuhns, Ph.D., O.M.D.
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Dr. Kuhns can be reached by email at:
bradleykuhns@gmail.com